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         aple Grove Cemetery

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Established by a group of six Brooklyn businessmen in 1875 - late in the period of rural cemetery development. Until that time most rural cemeteries were created through the purchase of large tracts of land by private citizens. However, under the leadership of William Cogswell, the six businessmen cleverly purchased 75 acres of undeveloped land in Jamaica and Newtown from Mary A. Webb, in exchange for one half the proceeds from the sale of burial lots. The benefit to the newly formed Maple Grove Cemetery Association was that it would not have to raise funds ahead of time to purchase the land.

 

 Friends of Maple Grove Mission Statement

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Established in 2005, the Friends of Maple Grove, Inc. is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting and enriching the operations of Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York. Our mission is to honor, memorialize, and celebrate life while fostering public understanding and appreciation of the Cemetery's artistic, historical, horticultural, and cultural treasures. Through multicultural events and activities, we aim to preserve the tranquility of the environment and the privacy of families while highlighting the stories of the 117,000 individuals cared for at Maple Grove Cemetery. Our motto, "WHERE HISTORY COMES ALIVE," encapsulates our commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of the past for future generations.

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