Message From
THE PRESIDENT & CEO
and THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
We are pleased to present Mount Auburn Cemetery’s 186th Annual Report,
containing highlights of our accomplishments and a summary of our financial
results. Having now completed the third year of our Strategic Plan for FY2016-
FY2020, our goals and activities continue to be guided and prioritized by our
stated long-term vision and the six strategic initiatives listed below:
Vision:
Mount Auburn, the nation’s premier garden cemetery, provides innovative
and comprehensive end-of-life services while being a model for environmental
stewardship, horticultural practices, and historic preservation practices, all at the
highest standards. It is a dynamic cultural institution, inspiring broad financial
support from the public and attracting highly motivated staff,
Trustees, and volunteers.
Strategic Initiatives:
1. Commit to organizational excellence.
2. Maintain and enhance the Cemetery’s beauty, tranquility, and
inspirational qualities, as envisioned by the founders.
3. Be a model of environmental stewardship.
4. Ensure preservation of the Cemetery’s historic character.
5. Ensure an exceptional experience for all who come to Mount Auburn.
6. Promote and support the institution through education, outreach,
and fundraising.
The projects undertaken during the fiscal year were in pursuit of several if not all
of these initiatives, as we continue to carry out our important mission and strive to
achieve organizational excellence as both an active cemetery and a vibrant cultural
institution. Our Strategic Plan has provided the framework for achieving several
long-term goals aimed at preserving and enhancing the beautiful and inspirational
landscape envisioned by our founders in 1831 to include a balance of art and
nature. Accomplishments during the year included conservation of some of our
most significant monuments as well as landscape improvements that celebrate the
unique qualities of Mount Auburn’s historic landscape character.
Mount Auburn welcomes more than 250,000 visitors through its gates each year.
These visitors come to walk our beautiful landscape, to birdwatch, or to attend
the programs of the Friends of Mount Auburn. They also come to attend burial
services and visit the graves of those already buried here. Again, as framed by our
Strategic Plan, we are working to ensure an exceptional experience for everyone
who enters Mount Auburn, beginning with improvements to the Front Entrance
area and a renewed focus on visitor amenities and client services.