City of Cambridge Releases Cemetery Master Plan

The City of Cambridge is proud to announce the release of the Cemetery Master Plan, a comprehensive vision designed to extend the active operations of the Cambridge Cemetery while transforming it into a landscape and cultural resource with broad community appeal. Developed collaboratively by the Cambridge Cemetery and Department of Public Works staff, along with the Cambridge Cemetery Advisory Board, this plan represents the collective input of Cambridge residents, including former City officials, pastors, funeral home directors, and other community representatives.

The Cemetery Master Plan outlines a series of strategic recommendations organized under three key goals and guiding principles:

1. Prolong the Active Cemetery Function

• Develop New Lots: Create new full-body burial lots in select limited areas and continue second full-body burials in already sold lots.

• Veterans’ Burials: Continue providing burial services for veterans in established sections.

• Cremated Remains: Develop multiple options for cremated remains and provide incentives to encourage their selection.

• Rehabilitation Projects: Support the economically viable rehabilitation of the Receiving Tomb and Chapel for columbarium or other visitor-oriented uses.

• Service Consolidation: Consolidate service functions in the current Materials Yard area.

2. Recognize the Cultural Value of the Cemetery

• Arrival Areas: Enhance and beautify the arrival areas to create a welcoming environment.

• Historic Preservation: Preserve historic buildings and site features through public commitment and private support.

• Public Engagement: Publicize the history and beauty of the Cemetery, facilitating public engagement and educational opportunities.

• Visitor Experience: Improve the visitor site experience and wayfinding and increase public availability and ease of access to burial information.

3. Maintain the Grounds as an Open Space Resource

• Landscape Integrity: Balance development with landscape preservation to maintain the cemetery's landscape integrity.

• Tree Population: Systematically manage and enhance the tree population, aiming to obtain Arboretum accreditation to promote its value.

• Ornamental and Habitat Value: Enhance the landscape’s ornamental value for visitor enjoyment and its habitat value for pollinators, migratory birds, and other desirable wildlife.

• Passive Recreation: Allow passive recreation activities that are compatible with respectful visitation.

• Connectivity: Enhance pedestrian connectivity with Mount Auburn Cemetery and Greenough Boulevard.

The Cemetery Master Plan is a forward-thinking approach to maintaining the Cambridge Cemetery's operational sustainability while celebrating its historical and cultural significance. This plan ensures that the cemetery remains a cherished community resource, offering a tranquil and respectful environment for visitors and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.

Additionally, the City’s FY25 capital budget includes $500,000 in funding to begin the implementation of the master plan recommendations. This funding will support initiatives such as achieving arboretum accreditation, improving signage, and developing cremation gardens.

For more information or to view the master plan, please visit:

https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/publicworks/Services/cambridgecemetery