Cemetery
The Parks and Open Space Division maintains and improves the historic Old Burying Ground Cemetery and the Walnut Hills Cemetery. The Walnut Hills and Old Burying Ground Cemeteries total 48.5 acres.
The 45-acre Walnut Hills Cemetery landscape is designed to enhance the beauty of native trees, shrubs, grave areas, glacial boulders and the unique Roxbury Puddingstone. Roads and pathways lead up and down the slopes of the older burial areas and through the newer lawn settings. Since its opening in 1875, the Centennial year of the start of the American Revolution, the Cemetery has become a rural oasis in an urban environment. Remembrance of history and appreciation of funerary art were prevalent in the 19th century.
The success of the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution integrated egalitarian ideals with goals of conservation and preservation of a unique historical site. The Cemetery is on the National and State Registers of the Historic Places, and is now part of the Charles-to-Charles Corridor linking many green areas including Larz Anderson Park, D. Blakely Hoar Wildlife Sanctuary, and portions of the Emerald Necklace.
Walnut Hills Cemetery Trustees' Vision
The vision of the Trustees of the Walnut Hills Cemetery is to commemorate the deceased in surroundings of beauty and tranquility that provide comfort and inspiration to the bereaved and the public, and to offer comprehensive cemetery services to all faiths.
Cemetery Pages
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About Cemetery
General information about the Old Burying Ground and Walnut Hills Cemetery.
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Cemetery Master Plan
Read the Walnut Hills Cemetery Master Plan.
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Cemetery Tree Inventory and Management Plan
This is the Walnut Hills Cemetery Tree Inventory and Management Plan.
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Cemetery Rules & Regulations
Cemetery Rules & Regulations
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Directions & Parking
Directions to Walnut Hills Cemetery, parking instructions and a map of the cemetery grounds.
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Historical Guide
History and interpretive orientation for visitors to Brookline Cemeteries.
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Lot Purchase and Residency Verification Form
PDF application for a cemetery lot at Walnut Hills Cemetery.
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Rates
Cemetery fees for grave markers and openings.
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Monument Design Standards
Rules and recommendations for new and existing monuments at Walnut Hills Cemetery
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Draft WHC Landscape Master Plan August 2023
PDF of the draft WHC Landscape Master Plan August 2023
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WHC Tree Replacement Master Plan
Full Walnut Hills Cemetery Replacement Master Plan.
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Walnut Hills Cemetery
Physical Address
96 Grove St.
Brookline, MA 02467
Phone: 617-879-5650Fax: 617-739-7512
Hours
Until further notice, Walnut Hills Cemetery Business Operations Will Take Place By Appointment Only
Tuesday - Thursday
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.If you need immediate assistance, please call 617-879-5650 or email [email protected]
Town of Brookline Website