Land of the Dead

by Nicole Woods

The Afterlife

Before the museums, the arboretums or Fairmount Park, Philadelphia had Laurel Hill Cemetery. People in desire of fresh air and beautiful scenery flocked to its winding paths during the 19th century. As the final resting place for Declaration of Independence signer Thomas McKean and Revolutionary War soldiers, Laurel Hill was an especially popular destination for reflection upon the nation's founding during its Centennial Exhibition of 1876.

Now a National Historic Landmark, Laurel Hill Cemetery offers different tours for cemetery aficionados and history buffs alike. On July 10, guides Edward and Mary Quinn will focus their tour on those who celebrated America's 100th birthday at her first major World's Fair, in Philadelphia, from a unique historical perspective. "This tour marries information from 1776 and 1876. We take two time periods in history and blend them together," says Edward Quinn. In addition to walking the same paths and viewing the same graves that drew Centennial visitors, the Quinns' tour will feature the graves of Centennial visitors. Some of the 1876 and newer graves include William Stokley, who was mayor during the exhibition; John and George Smith, founders of GlaxoSmithKline (Kline and Glaxo jumped on board later); and Peter Widener, benefactor of Widener University.

"Everyone walks away from the tours saying the same three things," Quinn said. "'I had a great time just walking around a place I'd never thought I'd be in,' 'I had a lot of fun,' or 'I learned something.' We want people to experience all three."

"1876: The Centennial and Laurel Hill," Sun., July 10, 2-4 p.m., $15, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave., 215-228-8200.