Sweet Auburn: The Magazine of the Friends of Mount Auburn Inspiring All Who Visit | Page 4

Improving Mount Auburn’s
Entry Experience for our Visitors
By Bree Harvey, Vice President of Cemetery & Visitor Services and David Barnett, President & CEO

Visitors to Mount Auburn Cemetery this spring,
summer and fall will undoubtedly notice an unusual
amount of work activity as they enter our gates. As part
of our long-term plan to improve the visitor experience
as one first enters Mount Auburn, we are carrying out a
number of integrated projects designed to both improve
the functionality and preserve the historic character of this
area. Our vision for the “front entry precinct” includes:
• A more welcoming entry, with clear orientation tools to
assist visitors and clients from the moment they arrive
on the grounds;
• Improved vehicular and pedestrian access, making
travel through this area safer and more convenient;
• The preservation of our historically-significant structures;
and
• An enhanced landscape that highlights the strength and
breadth of Mount Auburn’s horticultural collections and
high standards of excellence.
Much of this work has been made possible by contributed
support received through the Friends of Mount Auburn.

We are fortunate to have received a grant of $130,000
from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, which
we are working to match with additional private gifts, for
the preservation of our Egyptian Revival Gatehouse and
adjoining cast-iron fence. The first phase of work will be
the preservation of the iron fence and gate this summer,
with restoration of the Gatehouse planned for 2016.
We initiated the facelift to the front entry area this spring
with the removal of overgrown plantings surrounding the
Administration Building. Prior to replanting, soil was
excavated in order to correct problems with soil drainage
and moisture seepage into the building. Broken drainage
pipes were replaced, a fabric moisture barrier was installed,
and improved soil was brought in. We are working with
Landscape Architect Craig Halvorson to install a new landscape of low shrubs and perennials, with a few specimen
trees and Victorian-style planters, that more appropriately
displays the historic building and directs families and clients
to the cemetery services office. At the same time, we are
updating the interior space where our cemetery services
staff meets with families.

Adminstration Building, April 8, 2015.Though we try to provide a welcoming environment for families and visitors, overgrown
plantings surrounding our Administration Building had made it hard to even find our front door.

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