A Treasure Trove of Natural Splendor
Forest Hills Cemetery is one of the finest examples of the American garden cemetery and a landmark of natural beauty, history, and remembrance. Founded in 1848 by Henry A. S. Dearborn, then mayor of Roxbury, the Cemetery was envisioned as a tranquil, park-like setting where families could bury and honor their loved ones while also finding solace, reflection, and renewal in nature. In many ways, Forest Hills became Boston’s first public park, preceding the Emerald Necklace by more than 30 years and helping shape the future of American landscape design.
Art and architecture have long been integral to the identity of Forest Hills. Beginning in the 19th century, families commissioned memorials from leading sculptors and artisans of their time, creating an extraordinary outdoor collection of sculpture, monuments, and architectural forms. These works were attractions then, as they are now, offering visitors insight into the artistic and cultural movements of their eras. Today, Forest Hills is recognized not only as a cemetery, but also as an open-air museum and arboretum admired by visitors from around the world.
From its earliest days, Forest Hills has been the final resting place for individuals of all backgrounds and accomplishments. Many prominent historic, cultural, and civic figures are buried here, including abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, suffragist Lucy Stone, poets Anne Sexton and e.e. cummings, playwright Eugene O’Neill, and sculptor Martin Milmore. At the same time, Forest Hills remains a place of remembrance for countless families, honoring every life with equal dignity and care.
Continuing History
Still an active burial ground
In recognition of its exceptional historical, cultural, and landscape significance, Forest Hills Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004 and named one of the “1,000 Greatest Places” in Massachusetts.
Today, Forest Hills Cemetery continues to serve as an active burial ground while fulfilling its mission to provide a permanent, respectful, and peaceful environment for memorialization. It is a place for reflection, meditation, prayer, ceremony, and quiet enjoyment—a living landscape that celebrates the beauty of nature, the richness of history, and the enduring bonds of memory.
