In the 19th century, flowers and plants were given special associations and were used to convey feelings and emotions. As botanical motifs found their way onto gravestones, they took on hidden meanings. Discover these exquisite carvings during a tour with Elise Ciregna, the Trust’s Curator of Historic Collections. Learn how the Victorians communicated coded messages with poppies, lilies, ivy and oak leaves on their beautifully carved memorial stones.
Meet at Main Gate. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; this is a 2-hour walk (with frequent stops) over varied terrain.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, July 12 at 2pm: Horticulturalists Walking Tour
Forest Hills’ founder, Henry A.S. Dearborn, was a civic leader with expertise in law and politics, as well as in landscape design and horticulture. The first president of the Mass. Horticulture Society, Dearborn, along with others, helped shape the rural garden cemetery movement in the United States. Join Anthony Sammarco, author of more than 50 books on Boston history, for a walking tour celebrating Dearborn and other prominent 19th century horticulturists buried at Forest Hills Cemetery. $9
Thursday, July 16: 11th Annual Lantern Festival
Join us for a moving memorial ceremony inspired by Buddhist rituals, which has become a popular community event. Inscribe a lantern with a personal message to friends or family and float it across Lake Hibiscus at sunset.
The cemetery is an easy walk from the Orange Line T, Forest Hills stop via the Tower Street shortcut.
