Many people at some point in their lives want to know their ancestry. Often that leads them to touring the local cemeteries in New York City. Although some people are just looking to see the gravesite of famous people they have only heard of, many others are looking for grandmothers, grandfathers, great grandparents, and people even further back in their ancestry. Although these people may have long been forgotten, they have an everlasting reminder in the form of a tombstone or headstone that will help to remind you of who they were. New York has many beautiful cemeteries where people have been laid to rest. These cemeteries not only offer past history about your life, but they are incredible places to walk around to see the gorgeous architecture and artistic beauty.
Often called an “outdoor museum”, the Green Wood Cemetery is located on 25th Street in Brooklyn. There are public tours that take you through the cemetery to point out the most important grave markers for $10.00 or you could explore on your own. National figures are located there as you explore the beautiful grounds. Another gorgeous cemetery is The Flushing Cemetery. Built in 1853, you can find this historical cemetery on 46th Avenue and 164th Street.
If you travel over to Queens, NY, you will find many cemeteries that date back to the 1700′s. Prospect Cemetery even dates back to 1668. Along with Prospect Cemetery, you can see the cemeteries of St. George, Lawrence, Remsen, Old Springfield, and Bunn. You can even head over to the Staten Island cemetery in which you can see the gravestone of the famous Ichabod Crane.
If cemeteries really aren’t something that you want to do to put you in a better mood, you may want to try some of the more historical sites in New York City. There are no shortage of famous historical buildings and museums that you can spend hours of enjoyable time at. Places such as Gracie Mansion, Federal Hall, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, The Belvedere Castle, Central Park, as well as so many others. Even the General Post Office is considered to be a historical building that is worth seeing.
There are plenty of free historical buildings that make for a wonderful afternoon such as The New York Public Library. You can not only learn about the city but you can tour the building and see some of the best architecture in the city. No matter what time of the year you visit you can see concerts, listen to children’s story hour, hear poetry readings, and see art exhibitions.
No matter where you go, as long as you bring a map and an open mind, you will see and experience more than you can ever imagine.
