President ’ s Corner
Editor ’ s Corner
sweet auburn | 2023 volume i
President ’ s Corner
T here is no place quite like Mount Auburn ’ s landscape . With the arrival of summer , this lush and verdant 175-acre sanctuary overflows with life . Like an artist ’ s brushstroke across a canvas , new life sprouts up at every corner of this cherished landscape . Just as the world grappled with challenges and uncertainties , this sacred place , steeped in tradition yet adaptable to change , embraced its own evolution . Now , as the 14th President and CEO , I find myself humbled and honored to play a part in shaping the life of Mount Auburn .
Within its remarkable 175 acres , this haven stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of life itself . It intertwines the legacy of those who have come before us with daily inspiration drawn from a place of exceptional beauty . Mount Auburn Cemetery ,
more than just a final resting place , has blossomed into a garden and storied institution .
Mount Auburn , like a kaleidoscope of life , invites you to witness the marvels that unfold with each passing day . Delicate songbirds perch on branches amid many State Champion trees , while butterflies , delicate and ethereal , flit from one flower to another , their colorful wings carrying the promise of transformation .
I invite you to venture into Mount Auburn Cemetery this season . Let the exceptional beauty of this inspiring space make you feel alive , offering an escape and renewal . With each step , may you find the opportunity to become lost , seeking the clarity , answers , or inspiration you desire . Discover the profound connection between life and death , and the eternal cycle of growth and transformation amidst the changing seasons of Mount Auburn .
Editor ’ s Corner
W elcome to the inspiring world of Mount Auburn Cemetery , where the whispers of history , the stories of countless lives , and the beauty of nature and remembrance converge .
This year I am celebrating my 26th anniversary at Mount Auburn Cemetery and my 30th issue of Sweet Auburn magazine . With every issue of our magazine , my colleagues and I aim to explore the diverse tapestry of the Cemetery ’ s landscape — from the top of Washington Tower to the mysterious depths of Consecration Dell — and the remarkable stories that lie within .
I recently had the good fortune to join other citizen scientists at the Cemetery in releasing Cecropia moths ( Hyalophora cecropia ) into the landscape . With wingspans of up to 6 inches , these are the largest moths found in North America
Matthew Stephens President & CEO
and they hold a key place in local ecology as food for many bird species . They are impressive to behold , with intricate patterns in vibrant shades of red , brown , white , and black on their wings . The size and beauty of these moths make them a captivating sight in the natural world . And they are often seen as symbols of transformation , rebirth , and spiritual growth .
Throughout the pages of this magazine , as in the Cemetery landscape itself , I invite you to discover the power of Mount Auburn as a space for reflection and transformation . Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration , a history enthusiast , or connected to a beloved individual memorialized here , the Cemetery landscape offers solace throughout the year and an open gateway to a deeper awareness of the cycles of life .
Mount Auburn volunteer and friend Hilary Hopkins died on February 2 , 2023 . During her 26 years as a devoted volunteer , Hilary meticulously deciphered and recorded thousands of inscriptions from monuments throughout the Cemetery . You can read about Hilary and her love for Mount Auburn in Sweet Auburn Magazine 2022 Vol II .
Jennifer Johnston Media & Communications Coordinator