An Old Burial Hill Cemetery: An Audio Tour

Overview

Marblehead’s Old Burial Hill Cemetery is one of New England’s oldest and most atmospheric burial grounds. It’s also more than a simple graveyard. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll learn how to decode this cultural archive, where you’ll find headstone motifs with everything from Puritan death symbols to Roman-inspired willows and urns, reflecting changing religious attitudes over the years. Starting at the historical Redd’s Pond, you’ll learn about Wilmot ”Mammy” Redd, the only Marblehead resident executed during the 1692 Salem witch trials. From there, you’ll climb terraced pathways to see panoramic views of Marblehead Harbour and its iconic lighthouse. You’ll also hear about moments in American history that shaped this coastal community, including maritime disasters and the Revolutionary War.