THE UNDERGROUND MUSEUM - LAUREL HILL CEMETARY IN PHILADELPHIA
The collections at Laurel Hill relate to the entire history of the organization from its founding in 1836 to the present day. The collection contains burial records, maps, minute books, photographs, contracts, financial documents, newspaper clippings and other institutional documents.
 
Our archival records undoubtedly serve as an important resource for genealogists, historians and scholars.

If you are a school, community group or museum partner interested in learning more about Laurel Hill’s Educational Resources, Programming or Tours, please contact Gwendolyn Kaminski at 215-228-8200, or write to gkaminski@thelaurelhillcemetery.org


Laurel Hill was founded in 1836 as one of America’s first rural garden cemeteries. It is honored as a National Historic Landmark, and as a unique destination for connoisseurs of history, art, architecture and horticulture. Many renowned individuals, including statesmen, Civil War generals, industrialists, and countless visionaries who shaped the history of Philadelphia and the nation now rest soundly under Laurel Hill’s perpetual care.

General Meade Birthday Celebration Monday, December 31
Laurel Hill Cemetery - The Underground Museum
FREE!

The Annual General Meade Birthday Celebration will mark the 192nd anniversary of the birth of General George G. Meade, commander of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. A parade of Civil War re-enactors, civilians in period attire, special dignitaries, heritage groups and participants will advance to the final resting place of the Victor of Gettysburg and memorialize his services to his nation. A 21-gun salute and champagne toast will cap off the program at graveside, and will be followed by a reception in the Cemetery Gatehouse. A tour of historic Laurel Hill will be offered following the festivities (weather permitting).

The General Meade Society’s mission is to promote and preserve the memory of Union Major General George Gordon Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac and architect of the Union victory at Gettysburg. The society currently boasts hundreds of members throughout the country, all of whom share a common interest in General Meade’s multifaceted life and career.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Meade Birthday Celebration at Laurel Hill.

Dates:

• Monday, December 31, 2007 @ 12:00 pm

Free at Last: Commemorating Juneteenth and the Civil War Saturday, June 21, 2008
Laurel Hill Cemetery - The Underground Museum
$15
Call 215-228-8200 to order
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General Thomas Kane served as an agent on the Underground Railroad. General Alexander Cummings, founder of the Evening Bulletin, and an early supporter of abolition was Superintendent of Troops of African Descent in Arkansas, organizing five regiments of Black infantry. General Edgar Gregory assisted runaway slaves in escaping to Canada, and served as the first Assistant Commissioner of the Texas Freedman’s Bureau after the war. General Meade, Victor of Gettysburg commanded Black troops in the siege of Petersburg. After the Civil War, units composed of Black soldiers fought bravely on the frontier as Buffalo Soldiers; their comrades are also buried here. These are just a few of the stories to learn about in historic Laurel Hill Cemetery’s tour commemorating ‘Juneteenth,’ the Jubilee of Emancipation and end of the Civil War celebrated by African Americans.

Why are there no Black Civil War troops buried at Laurel Hill? Long after the first celebration of ‘Juneteenth’ in 1865, segregation still persisted—even in death. However, it was ultimately the collaboration of White and Black troops in the Civil War effort that ensured the Union’s victory. Many of the famous generals, commanders and decorated heroes buried here achieved their success with the assistance of former slaves and freedmen who fought and died for their own freedom. Learn about the history of the Civil War that has often been overlooked and forgotten. Hear the stories of men—both Black and White—whose shared commitment to the struggle against oppression and racial inequality revealed their true heroism and courage.

Dates:

• Saturday, June 21, 2008 @ 2:00 pm