Graveyard Tales and Laughter at Ivy Hill Cemetery
Ivy Hill Cemetery, a 162-year-old burial ground nestled in the heart of Alexandria, has a new leader at its helm. Lucy Goddin, a local resident and educator, recently joined the staff as the General Manager.
Goddin, who previously worked as a teacher at Arlington Unitarian Cooperative Preschool, has a deep-rooted connection with Ivy Hill Cemetery. She is a member of the Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society and has been working tirelessly to keep history alive at the cemetery.
Ivy Hill Cemetery is more than just a burial ground. It's a place where history comes alive, with events such as history lectures, Edgar Allan Poe and Guillotine Theatre readings, and events held in "the vault," a brick and concrete structure built in the 1850s.
The cemetery is steeped in history, with famous names like the Greens, the Leadbeaters, the Stablers, Burkes, Herberts, and Carlyles adorning its gravestones. In Victorian times, people would clean graves and hold picnics at Ivy Hill Cemetery. Today, people walk their dogs and take morning strolls, appreciating the cemetery's beauty and tranquility.
Goddin's mission is to preserve, protect, and promote the history, flora, and fauna of Ivy Hill Cemetery. She believes that spending time at the cemetery can be healing for families, and she passes down her realistic view of death and dying to her children. In fact, one of her children worked at the cemetery over the summer, digging graves.
Ivy Hill Cemetery is operational on frosty Saturday mornings, and it continues to evolve. In response to the increasing demand for cremation, the cemetery has added four new cremation gardens. However, with its limited space, the cemetery will run out of room in 10 to 15 years.
Despite some people viewing visits to the cemetery as disrespectful, Goddin believes it's more disrespectful to let the cemetery go to ruins. She even demonstrated her commitment by trying out her own burial plot, intending to ensure her family would laugh when the day comes.
Ivy Hill Cemetery is located at 2823 King St. in Alexandria, and it continues to be a place where history, nature, and community intertwine. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful place to walk, Ivy Hill Cemetery welcomes you.
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