Unlisted: Laurel Hill's Most Mysterious Graves

Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, June 20, 2020, at 1:00 pm

Our Unlisted tour focuses on graves that are either unmarked or inadequately marked. Learn the story of the Confederate spy-turned-dentist who went on to treat two U.S. presidents, the woman whose heart is in the right place (the rest of her is elsewhere), the most elaborate yet anonymous mausoleum you’re ever likely to see, and the scandalous story behind the three-dollar “Elvis” bill.

You won’t believe what you don’t see!

This walking tour will take place on Sunday, June 20, 2021, at 1:00 pm departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19132.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Ticket pricing is $15/General Admission, $13/Seniors (65 & Up), $13/Students with ID, $10/Members, $7.50/Youth (6-12), and $0/Child (5 & Under). Please note - youth and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tour Guide: Pattye Stringer

Information on directions and parking and visiting guidelines, including social distancing guidelines, are linked here to better plan your visit. A reminder email will also be sent to ticket holders a day before the program start day.

Purchase Tickets 


    Sacred Spaces and Storied Places

    Walking Tour at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:00 am

    The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wo…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at 10:00 am

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This tour provides an informative overview of Laure…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    5Rhythms Wave Class

    Dance Class at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries are partnering with 5 Rhythms to explore the joy of dance through a waves class, once a month from March to November. Join us for ecstatic move…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Good Times, Gone Bad

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at 10:00 am

    Throughout the ages, people have sought ways to escape the daily grind. Relaxing from the rigors of everyday life can range from a lengthy vacation to some distant place to something as simple as a si…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:00 am

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laure…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Cinema in the Cemetery: Wall-E

    Wall-E at West Laurel Hill Cemetery August 14, 2021, at 8:00 pm

    Pack a picnic, gather some friends or a date, and enjoy an evening under the stars! As the sun sets over the historic tombs, the grainy joys of the film experience will be brought to life during the F…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Members-Only: A Conversation with Olga Hoggard

    Virtual Program on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    History really comes to life when told by those who actually lived it, and that’s why we are so excited to present a very special Members-Only program in August: A Conversation with Olga Hoggard. …

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 10:00 am

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laurel…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Boneyard Bookworms

    Book Club at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    The August Boneyard Bookworm selection is Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel. From Amazon: “Alison Bechdel’s groundbreaking, a bestselling graphic memoir that charts her fraug…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Sacred Spaces and Storied Places

    Walking Tour at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 10:00 am

    The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wo…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at 11:00 am

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laure…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    5Rhythms Wave Class

    Dance Class at Laurel Hill Cemetery on August 29, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries are partnering with 5 Rhythms to explore the joy of dance through a waves class, once a month from March to November. Join us for ecstatic move…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Death Café

    Virtual Program on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Death Café is a unique opportunity for the public to meet and discuss death. For this installment, we are meeting virtually on Zoom! This group-led discussion has no specific agenda and serves as a w…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, September 5 , 2021, at 11:00 am

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laure…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Market of the Macabre

    At Laurel Hill on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

    Peruse a curated collection of unusual antiques, assorted oddities, vintage items, artwork, and handmade wares at this outdoor market of the macabre. Taking place in the most fitting of venues - a 185…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Virtual Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Virtual Program on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 6:00 pm

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? But now, you don’t need to leave the comfort of y…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Behind the Name: Philadelphia Schools

    A Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 11:00 am

    By the start of the 1900s, the practice of naming Philadelphia public schools after well-known civic leaders, industrialists, and military figures was commonplace. From the victor of Gettysburg and a …

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Auld Lang Syne: Scottish Residents at Laurel Hill

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at 11:00 am

    In the 19th Century, Scottish citizens made a significant contribution to our country, city, and even Laurel Hill Cemetery! At 26 years old, Scottish immigrant John Notman, rose above more established…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Members-Only-Graveyard Getaway: Eden’s Cemetery

    A Members-Only Virtual Program on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 6:30 pm

    Join us for a one-hour virtual presentation about one of the oldest continually active African American-owned cemeteries in the United States. Since its beginning, Eden Cemetery has been a steward of …

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Sacred Spaces and Storied Places

    Walking Tour at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 10:00 am

    The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wo…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    5Rhythms Wave Class

    Dance Class at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, September 26, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries are partnering with 5 Rhythms to explore the joy of dance through a waves class, once a month from March to November. Join us for ecstatic move…

    Read MoreTickets Coming Soon!

    • Posted:

    Rest In Peace 5K

    A 5K Race in Laurel Hill Cemetery or Virtual Fun Run on Saturday, October 2, 2021

    Organized by the Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries, the Rest in Peace 5K Run is the premier Halloween costume Run in the region! The RIP 5K is back for its 13th year and will be on …

    Read MoreRegister

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 1:00 pm

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laurel…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Dearly, Yet Oddly Departed

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, October 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    What do a lost cat, Bavarian cream custard, a trip to New Jersey and a whiskey highball have in common? Believe it or not, they all played a role in some of Laurel Hill’s most unusual deaths. Begin …

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Sacred Stone: Laurel Hill as a Sculpture Garden

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 10:00 am

    The sandstone sculptural group Old Mortality and His Pony greet visitors daily to Laurel Hill, establishing the cemetery’s place as a unique outdoor sculpture garden. Look beyond this impressive wor…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Sacred Spaces and Storied Places

    Walking Tour of West Laurel Hill on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wo…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Fall Foliage Tour of West Laurel Hill Cemetery

    Arbor Tour of West Laurel Hill on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 11:00 am

    Join our Arboretum Manager, Aaron Greenberg, on a brisk autumn walk through the peak fall colors of some of the great trees of West Laurel Hill Cemetery. From the dazzling reds of our sugar maple all…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    The Worlds of Thomas Jefferson

    Walking Tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Adopted sons, signers of the Declaration, painters, sculptors, men of science, ladies of belles-lettres, famous physicians, pariahs of free press, purveyors of fine wine and, of course, political prov…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    5Rhythms Wave Class

    Dance Class at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, October 24, 2021, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

    The Friends of Laurel Hill & West Laurel Hill Cemeteries are partnering with 5 Rhythms to explore the joy of dance through a waves class, once a month from March to November. Join us for ecstatic move…

    Read MoreTickets Coming Soon!

    • Posted:

    Sinners and Scandals

    Walking Tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Laurel Hill has its brave military heroes like George Gordon Meade, its uplifting reformers like Sarah Josepha Hale, and selfless philanthropists like Robert Carson. But what about the less than pure …

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Death Café

    Virtual Program on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at 6:00 pm

    Death Café is a unique opportunity for the public to meet and discuss death. For this installment, we are meeting virtually on Zoom! This group-led discussion has no specific agenda and serves as a w…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Fall Foliage Tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery

    Arbor Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM

    Join our Arboretum Manager, Aaron Greenberg, on a brisk autumn walk through the peak fall colors of some of the great trees of Laurel Hill Cemetery. Fall is a beautiful time to explore our tree collec…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Marine Corps Anniversary Service

    Ceremony at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM

    Join active and retired members of the United States Marine Corps at Laurel Hill Cemetery as they commemorate the 245th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps. Tradition holds that the very f…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Walking Tour at Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 1:00 pm

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? This talk provides an informative overview of Laure…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

    Virtual Hot Spots and Storied Plots

    Virtual Program on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    In life and in death, we all have stories to tell, and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? But now, you don’t need to leave the comfort of y…

    Read MoreRSVP

    • Posted:

    Sacred Spaces and Storied Places

    Walking Tour at West Laurel Hill Cemetery on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    The expansion of Fairmount Park in the 1860s prevented further growth of Laurel Hill, and in 1869 West Laurel Hill was established just across the river in Bala Cynwyd. This walking tour provides a wo…

    Read MorePurchase Tickets

    • Posted:

Search Events