Woodlawn Cemetery

Open only five days a year on select holidays (Emancipation Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, and Veterans Day), visiting Woodlawn Cemetery is a gateway to some of the city’s richest history. Created in 1895, this historic Black cemetery is home to many famous poets, politicians, educators, activists, and those who fought in America’s wars. 36,000 people spread across 22.5 acres are buried here, including many from two Black cemeteries razed for development (like Graceland Cemetery destroyed to build Hechinger Mall). I stopped by around 10 a.m. on Memorial Day. The gates were open and the kind volunteers who upkeep the cemetery were there greeting people with a smile. The cemetery is on a hill and gravestones are spread out across the land.

I have a grandmother buried there. I am 74 years old and she has been buried there since was a child. I would love to find her grave. How can I find her burial records for my children?

Complaints need to filed against the company managing or superintendent of this cementary. Its a disrespect to my ancestors....

I would like to set an appointment to view my great grandparents grave site located here. Please contact me [email protected]

Woodlawn Cemetery is a privately owned historic cemetery. We have a very small dedicated grounds staff (and no one drives a truck). We are committed to clearing, cutting, and restoring the cemetery. We are open to the public on most major holidays weather permitting. Non- holidays we are open by appointment.