Before we had sprawling public parks and botanical gardens, Americans headed to the cemetery for a Sunday afternoon of fun. In the 19th century, "May Day" didn’t just involve maypoles and flower crowns—it involved packing a wicker basket, grabbing a blanket, and heading to the local burial ground for a family picnic.

The Rise of the "Rural Cemetery"

In the mid-1800s, the Rural Cemetery Movement changed everything. Prior to this, burials happened in cramped, somber churchyards. But as cities grew, "garden cemeteries" were designed on the outskirts of town. These were meant to be beautiful, lush landscapes—the first true public green spaces in America.

Places like Mount Auburn in Massachusetts or Green-Wood in New York weren't just for the dead; they were the "pleasure grounds" for the living.

Why Picnics?

It might seem strange to us now, but for Victorians, picnicking in a cemetery was a way to keep family bonds alive.

• A Family Reunion: It was a chance to "visit" with those who had passed, sharing a meal in their presence.
• The Only Park in Town: Before Central Park existed, cemeteries provided the fresh air and manicured lawns that city dwellers craved.
• May Day Celebrations: May was the peak time for these outings, as families came to "decorate" the graves with fresh spring blooms and enjoy the first warm breezes of the year.

The Decline of the Graveyard Gathering

As the 20th century progressed, public parks became more common, and our cultural relationship with death became more private and clinical. Eventually, "fun" in the cemetery started to be seen as disrespectful, and many grounds began banning picnics altogether.

A Modern Perspective

Today, many historic cemeteries are reclaiming this role as community spaces. While we might not be spreading out a full banquet on a flat-marker headstone anymore, the spirit of the cemetery picnic lives on through:

• Birdwatching and Photography: Using the space for quiet recreation.
• Guided History Walks: Learning the stories behind the stones.
• Reflective Sitting: Simply enjoying the peace and the spring blossoms.

This May, as the trees bud and the grass turns green, we invite you to take a slow walk through our grounds. You don’t need a picnic basket to appreciate the beauty and the "living" history that surrounds us.