Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery facts for kids
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1829 |
| Location |
435 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Size | 6 acres (24,000 m2) |
The Jersey City and Harsimus Cemetery is a really old and special place in Jersey City, New Jersey. It's a type of cemetery called a rural cemetery, which means it's designed to look like a peaceful park. It was started way back in 1829. This was the very first cemetery company in New Jersey! The cemetery is about 6 acres (24,000 m2) big. That's like six football fields!
This historic spot was once used as a place to store ammunition during the War of 1812. It also saw some small battles in 1780 during the Revolutionary War.
Sadly, the cemetery became neglected and was left without care in 2008. But don't worry! A group of amazing volunteers stepped in. They now work hard to keep the cemetery looking good and cared for. Since 2011, they even use goats to help control the weeds during the summer months.
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Fun Events at the Cemetery
To help raise money for the cemetery's care, the volunteers team up with local groups. They host cool events all year long! These events help keep the grounds tidy and support the caretakers.
Music and Theater Shows
- The Ghost of Uncle Joe: This is a spooky and fun music and theater show. It happens every October, just in time for Halloween!
- Shakespeare in the Park: The Hudson Shakespeare Company performs plays by William Shakespeare. The cemetery is one of their stops during their summer tours. It's a great way to see classic plays outdoors.
Special Tours and Celebrations
- Halloween tours: Explore the cemetery at night during these special tours.
- Constitution Day: This yearly event happens in late September. It celebrates the brave veterans buried in the cemetery. These heroes fought in wars from the Revolutionary War all the way to World War II.
Famous People Buried Here
The cemetery is the final resting place for many interesting people.
Charles F. Durant
- Charles F. Durant (1805–1873) was a very adventurous person. He was the first American to ever fly in a hot air balloon! Imagine floating high above the ground in a giant balloon.
