“New York City’s only Jewish burial estate dedicated exclusively to private family plots.” That was the tagline of Knollwood Park Cemetery in its early days. Today we are standing here at Knollwood Park Cemetery. It is a poignant place of remembrance.
Knollwood Park Cemetery is a testament to the evolving landscape of Jewish cemeteries in New York City. It is located along the Brooklyn-Queens border. This cemetery holds a unique place in the city’s history.
Let’s step back to 1947. The Evergreens Cemetery sold a portion of its land. This 20-acre section became Knollwood Park Cemetery. It was the first new Jewish cemetery in New York City since 1915.
Knollwood Park Cemetery distinguished itself from its predecessors. Earlier cemeteries often sold land to Jewish burial societies. Knollwood Park Cemetery focused on private family plots. This was a modern approach.
Early advertisements emphasized that Knollwood sold no land to societies or organizations. This was to avoid overcrowding. It also aimed to prevent the neglect seen in older Jewish cemeteries. Many plot-owning organizations had become defunct in the 20th century.
Today, Knollwood Park Cemetery has over 17000 interments. It is the last Jewish cemetery developed in New York City’s five boroughs. The cemetery is divided into plots. Family stones mark each plot with flat markers for individuals.
In 2008, Knollwood Park Cemetery was acquired by Mount Carmel Cemetery. Mount Carmel is a large Jewish cemetery in Glendale, Queens. Today, Knollwood Park Cemetery operates as a division of Mount Carmel. The Knollwood Park Cemetery office is at Mt Carmel Cemetery.
Visiting hours are Sunday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The grounds are closed on Jewish and secular holidays. Restrooms and a washing station are available near the office.
Knollwood Park Cemetery is now referred to as the Knollwood Park section of Mount Carmel. The office is the Mount Carmel office.
It is a tranquil reminder of lives lived and legacies cherished. It reflects a shift in how Jewish cemeteries were developed and maintained in New York City. It stands as a place of peace. It offers a final resting place for thousands of individuals and families.