FUNERARY GROUNDS: HARMONY GROVE

Originally published on May 15, 2020.

Harmony Grove is located in historic Salem, Massachusetts. Founded in the late 1839, Harmony Grove was designed and ‘decorated’ after the “rural cemeteries” of the English and French. Rural cemeteries, commonly known as garden cemeteries, were a popular style of cemetery in Europe and the US during the mid-nineteenth century. These were created to hopefully avoid overcrowding and address health concerns of current urban cemeteries. Often built outside of a city (one to five miles or so), the goal was to be far enough to be considered separated but still close enough for visitors. Rural cemeteries were known for their elaborate memorials, monuments, and mausoleums in curated park-like setting. It is here that people started to see different symbols such as cherubs, soaring angels, weeping willows (carvings and planted trees), ivy, oak, acorns, and poppies - all symbolizing death as a more peaceful transition than a pessimistic repentance. These rural cemeteries were significantly different from other burial grounds and mirrored the changing attitudes towards death. They also gave the public a place to spend time in “nature” or a more natural setting amidst art, a luxury previously granted only to the wealthy.

Today Harmony Grove remains a a non-profit 501(c)13 corporation governed by a Board of Trustees while managed by a small staff and administrator. It is just about 100 acres in size, containing 21,000 monuments/burial markers. One can find rare and unusual trees and plantings while also admiring the gothic styled Blake Chapel which faces the entrance. On-site one may also find a 1890’s era barn and a gothic revival caretaker cottage built in 1840, both restored and gorgeous. The cemetery is built on a hill and has what feels like multiple ‘levels’ to explore.

I was fortunate to visit this cemetery on my celebratory trip to Salem, MA alongside Burying Point and St. Mary’s Cemetery. I wonder how many times I can start a sentence with how magical a cemetery is? Although Burying Point was an odd experience for me, St. Mary’s was gorgeous but I would have to say that Harmony Grove is by far my favorite cemetery I’ve been to in Salem. It could of been the fact that it was designed to be and feel different when it was curated back in 1839, to look at death as something inherent and graceful rather than to be feared. It could of been that it was an absolute perfect morning when we visited, the sun shining through the trees and hills dancing. It felt lighter, almost child like to me - sweet and playful. Of course like any cemetery, it had its own secrets, but it didn’t flaunt them nor did it keep them tucked away, Harmony Grove was serene and quiet in-between the bird songs and the whispers in the wind. I don’t often feel like having a picnic in the middle of a cemetery but I could of here. Harmony Grove seemed to want people to laugh and celebrate, to bask in its glory and raise a glass or a perfect mini sandwhich to the deceased. I am absolutely looking forward to the next time I can pay this cemetery tribute and give it some of my love again.

Stay connected for events via: www.harmonygrovesalem.org

Till next time.

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//30 Grove Street, Salem, Massachusetts //