Maple Grove Cemetery

Malini Singh McDonald

So here’s the scoop about Maple Grove –no one really knows it’s there unless you know it’s there. Yet the cemetery covers 65 acres and was established in Kew Gardens in 1875 before the neighborhood grew up around it. It captures the essence of the garden cemetery where one can stroll, picnic, and enjoy nature. Maple Grove is not only listed on National Register of Historic Places, it also is the final resting place of many notable Americans who contributed to our history. The Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery continues to remind us that this is where history comes alive by bringing the cultural arts and history together. Walking down the paths, visiting the original Victorian Administration house, the African-American Burial Ground, and the Center (an events venue).

The physical details do matter as it’s a cemetery. It’s one of the reasons behind the story of there being more deceased beings than living beings in Queens. It’s part of the landscape of the borough as well as an integral part of the history of Kew Gardens. 

I don’t visit as much as I used to because I take for granted that it’s there. There is a well-established community that supports the cemetery as well as its non-profit, Friends of Maple Grove (https://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/). I plan to attend more events and support it much more. It’s been a long time and we get busy. However, this crisis has reminded me that we can’t take anything for granted.

(added April 2020)

#essentialplace