Lost in thought, a visitor once asked me if the Moravian Cemetery was always this peaceful. Welcome. I am excited to share with you the story of this serene final resting place.
Established in 1740, the Moravian Cemetery is the largest and oldest active cemetery on Staten Island. Spanning 113 acres, it offers a picturesque landscape. Originally, the cemetery was a free public burial ground. This was to discourage families from using their own farms as burial plots.
Cornelius Vanderbilt, the shipping and railroad tycoon, significantly contributed to the Moravian Cemetery. In 1865, he gave 8.5 acres to the Moravian Church. This land was on the eastern slope of Todt Hill. Three years later, he donated an additional 45 acres. His son, William Anthony Vanderbilt, later donated 4 acres. William also constructed the residence for the cemetery superintendent. Additionally, he built the Vanderbilt Mausoleum.
The Vanderbilt Mausoleum is a sight to behold. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, it was constructed in 1885-1886. It is a replica of a Romanesque church in Arles, France. Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscaping around the Vanderbilt family cemetery. The Vanderbilt Mausoleum and parts of the cemetery were designated New York City landmarks in 2016. The Vanderbilt family cemetery is privately owned and not open to the public.
The Moravian Cemetery is nonsectarian. People from all walks of life and religions are buried here. Interestingly, many Italian-American Catholics also found their final resting place in the Moravian Cemetery. This was due to the efforts of Father Ettore Barletta. He was in charge of the Italian Mission congregation at the nearby Moravian Church in the early 1900s. He offered burial to Catholic mafia families who had been refused Catholic burials.
The Moravian Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable figures. Alice Austen, the 20th-century photographer, is buried here. Mobsters Paul Castellano, Thomas Bilotti, and Frank DeCicco are also interred here. Other notable burials include John Eberhard Faber, the pencil manufacturer, and congressmen Frank J. LeFevre and Anning Smith Prall. Even the parents of director Martin Scorsese, Charles and Catherine Scorsese, are buried in the Moravian Cemetery.
The Moravian Cemetery offers both above and below-ground burials. All areas are well-maintained. The older sections rival any botanical garden. When the azaleas and cherry trees bloom, a walk along the lake and curving paths is truly stunning. Pet walking and bike riding are not allowed on the grounds.
In keeping with modern needs, the Moravian Cemetery has a Memorial Kiosk. It offers a wealth of information to visiting families. The computer system provides access to an extensive cemetery database. It includes the history of the cemetery and maps of gravestone locations.
So, as you wander through this peaceful expanse, remember the rich history of the Moravian Cemetery. It began as a simple burial ground. It evolved into a place of beauty, history, and final rest for people from all walks of life.