Cemetery tours in Pittsburgh have become more popular in recent years. Whether this is due to an increasing interest in history, or the realization of the beauty that many cemeteries provide, more and more cemeteries are offering periodic tours. Tours and events are often sponsored by local historic societies, or by the cemeteries themselves. Some are guided, while others are self-guided, but most are in the form of walking tours throughout the grounds. It also seems that there are few haunted cemetery tours that take place during the Halloween season, but most are based on the history of the area and respectfully of those interred at the cemetery.
What follows is a list of cemeteries that have offered tours and events in the past, and are likely to do so again in the future. Because such events may or may not take place on a regular basis, no dates or specifics have been included. If you are interested in a cemetery tour, please follow up with the cemetery directly to see if any upcoming events have been scheduled. Finally, if you know of additional cemeteries in the area to add to the list, please let me know.
Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville)
Located in Lawrenceville within the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny Cemetery was founded in 1844 on the rural, eastern edge of the city. It was designated to serve the growing east end of Pittsburgh, which many of Pittsburgh’s influential elite called home. It is the oldest public cemetery in Pittsburgh, and one of the largest, with 300 acres of park-like setting. Known for its combination of nature, architecture and history, it serves as the final resting place for prominent figures of Pittsburgh industry and culture. Famous people interred at Allegheny Cemetery include composer Steven Foster, General James Negley and Judge Thomas Mellon.
Guided tours for groups of 10 or more can be scheduled in advance throughout the year, except for winter months. Self-guided tours for groups of 10 or less are available as well. Maps and brochures are available at the administration office. Note that the tours are driving tours, due to the large size of the cemetery.
4734 Butler Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
412-363-8639
Allegheny Cemetery News & Events
Allegheny Cemetery Guided Tours
Homewood Cemetery, Pittsburgh (Point Breeze)
Similar to Allegheny Cemetery, Homewood Cemetery is located in the eastern end of Pittsburgh, but is located to the south between Point Breeze and Squirrel Hill. This non-denominational cemetery stretches across 178 acres of rolling hills and features large, century old trees, lawns and around 250 mausoleums. Adjacent to Frick Park, it holds a beauty and eloquence all its own. Some of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest and best known families have made Homewood their final resting place, including members of the Frick, Heinz and Mellon families.
Self-guided walking tours are available by visiting the office. For more detail, the cemetery also provides guided tours as well. There have been several tours offered, with themes such as “Taking It With You”, and “Angels and Obelisks” that focus on insight of different aspects of the cemetery. Call for details about availability of current tours.
1599 South Dallas Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-421-1822
Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Allegheny County
Mt. Lebanon Cemetery is located in the south hills of Pittsburgh, in the heart of Mt. Lebanon and bordering Dormont. A sizable cemetery of around 95 acres, it is the oldest non-denominational cemetery in the area, founded in 1874. Its peaceful setting among the established suburbs is a popular place for walkers. Well-known individuals that are buried there include U.S. Representative James Folton and Civil War veteran Casper Carlise, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in the Battle of Gettysburg. Also note that several French & Indian War graves are located in the adjacent St. Clair Cemetery, directly located across Scott Road. For information about registering for upcoming walking tours, contact the Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon.
509 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
412-418-9348 (Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon)
412-531-2007 (Mt. Lebanon Cemetery)
Historical Society of Mt. Lebanon
St. Clair Cemetery, Hempfield
Northeast of Greensburg lies 144-acre St. Clair Cemetery, which at one time was known as “Presbyterian Graveyard”, but now serves as the resting place of multiple denominations. Many early settlers to the area as well as some of Greensburg’s prominent figures are buried here. It is named after Arthur St. Clair, a Civil-War era general who founded it in the 1850’s. Note that the current location of the cemetery is its second location; the original being the current site of nearby St. Clair Park. The Westmoreland Historical Society has held special events and re-enactments here in the past.
944 St. Clair Way
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-837-2620
Westmoreland Historical Society
Evans City Cemetery
This cemetery is located just south of the town of Evans City, Butler County, PA. It is widely known for being the location where George Romero filmed “Night of the Living Dead” in 1968, a cult-classic which helped to bring horror flicks and zombies into the popular culture. Be sure to also visit the Living Dead Museum in Evans City if you are visiting the cemetery. The museum, along with other groups in the area, offers periodic events and activities relating to this history. This is definitely one of the most unique cemetery tours in Pittsburgh!
Franklin Road
Evans City, PA 16033
North Side (Calvary) Cemetery
North Side Cemetery (also known as Calvary Cemetery) is the final resting place of local politicians and other noteworthy people from the Butler area. For the past several years, the Butler County Historical Society has sponsored its “Echoes From the Past Historic Cemetery Walk” on the grounds just north of Butler, PA. The event is meant to present and discuss the history of the area and those interred there, and does not discuss ghost stories or anything paranormal. The event features historical characters in costume to bring history alive.
1002 North Main Street
Butler, PA 16001
724-283-1627
Butler County Historical Society
Historic Harmony Walking Tour
Harmony, PA is located near Zelienople, PA, north of Cranberry Township in Butler County. The town was founded in the early 1800’s by the Harmonists, a Christian religious sect based on communal principles that grew to flourish financially through industry and investments. The Harmony Museum, located in the heart of the Historic District, offers a walking tour through the town and outskirts, which include both the Harmonist Cemetery and the Mennonite Meeting House and Cemetery. Because it is self-paced, the tour can be as long or short as you like, but plan for up to 3 hours for the full tour. Discover the quaintness of the historic town as well as nature on a wooded trail that partially follows Connoquenessing Creek.
The Harmony Museum
218 Mercer Street
Harmony, PA 16037
The Blairsville Cemetery
The beauty of Blairsville Cemetery makes for a lovely resting place, high on a hill just east of the town of Blairsville. As recent as the fall of 2019, the Blairsville Area Underground Railroad sponsored the “Blairsville Twilight Cemetery Tour” – a guided tour based on local soldiers and citizens and their stories, told by re-enactors. Check their websites periodically to see when the next cemetery tour will be offered.
609 E. Market Street
Blairsville, PA 15717
Blairsville Cemetery
Blairsville Area Underground Railroad
As you can see, historical societies offer many opportunities to learn history, up close and personal, in many areas of Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. For even more cemetery tours, check out these resources to additional possible events as well…
Riverview Cemetery – Apollo
This cemetery features an online, virtual cemetery tour.
Apollo Historical Society Cemetery Tour
Union Dale Cemetery – Pittsburgh (Brighton Heights)
The Allegheny City Society has offered 2-hour guided tours in the past.
Old Stone Church – Monroeville
Tours are periodically scheduled through the Monroeville Historical Society.
Prospect Cemetery – Brackenridge
Prospect Cemetery usually offers Historical Ghost Tours in the fall… For information, call the cemetery at 724-224-4552.
Turner Cemetery – Pittsburgh (Squirrel Hill)
The Turner Cemetery History Walk has been an annual event for over a decade, although it did not take place in 2019. It will resume once construction of the new church is finished.
West Newton Cemetery
A beautiful cemetery adjacent to the Great Allegheny Passage Trail, the West Newton Cemetery draws many visitors due to its location.
