Life in the Cemetery: Historic Laurel Hill

Cemeteries constitute vast and valuable acreage in dense urban areas. As cities have evolved, so has the death industry, experiencing seismic change over the past decades. Influenced by events like the AIDS epidemic and the ongoing COVID pandemic, American customs and attitudes about death have been shifting and industry businesses are reacting.

As we become a more culturally diverse, technologically reliant society where mobility and individualism are highly valued, traditions surrounding death, mourning, and commemoration cannot be sustained. Traditional burials are being surpassed by cremations, green burials, and innovative disposition technologies. End-of-life ceremonies are being personalized, people are talking more about death, and they are preparing for it emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Successful cemeteries are re-engaging traditional audiences while broadening activities and services to attract new ones. Many, like Laurel Hill, are recognizing past discriminatory practices by providing more robust approaches to programming, marketing, governance, and public outreach. Cemeteries today are sustaining their relevancy and economic viability in contemporary and dynamic ways that offer restorative space for those grieving while providing relevant experiences for diverse and growing audiences.