The Historic Union Cemetery is a beautiful sacred burial grounds where more than 9000 souls rest. It is a place of mourning as well as an open air museum full of history dating back to 1808, Victorian architecture and a park-like setting. When visiting a functioning historic cemetery there may be mourners here for whom their loss is very raw. There may be others on a tour to learn more about the history of those buried here and their contributions to the county, state and country. Obeying the rules and regulations as well as using proper etiquette, will allow us all to experience the cemetery respectfully, protect the fragile memorials, ensure its preservation and honor those buried here.
Whether you are burying a loved one, visiting a loved ones' final resting place, or on a self-guided tour, please follow the rules and regulations. Signs are posted throughout the Cemetery to protect the memorials and keep everyone safe. Where there are not signs, please always use kindness and respect. You can read the full rules and regulations below and download a shorter version of the rules and regulations to share with family and friends.
We welcome and encourage you to take photos during your visit to the Historic Union Cemetery. Follow our Facebook page, The Union Cemetery in Bellefonte, to share any photos. Please let us know about your visit by scanning the QR code you'll find here and at the Cemetery. This will allow us to track where our visitors and tourists are coming from, and allow you to report any damages or concerns we need to address. Or, leave a positive review about the cemetery.
If you have a loved one buried in the Historic Cemetery, or a family plot, you are automatically a member of the Bellefonte Cemetery Association. We invite you and hope you get involved with the care of the cemetery. We're also happy to show you how to care for your headstone and plot.
Thank you for following the rules and regulations of the Historic Union Cemetery.
The Historic Union Cemetery is managed by a private 501c13, the Bellefonte Cemetery Association. It is managed by unpaid volunteers. To volunteer or donate, visit: bellefonteunioncemetery.com, or email us at bellefonteunioncemetery@gmail.com.
1. Pets are not permitted within the Cemetery grounds, except for service animals
2. The use of the cemetery as a thoroughfare is prohibited.
3. The speed limit within the cemetery is ten (10) miles per hour.
4. Parking and/or driving on any grassy areas is prohibited for any purpose other than those obtained by from the cemetery.
5. Visitors are prohibited from disturbing plant life or damaging any monuments, trees or property within the cemetery.
6. Cemetery hours are from Dawn to Dusk.
7. Children under the age of sixteen (16) are not permitted on cemetery property unless accompanied by an adult. Those in violation will be considered trespassing.
8. No loitering, no alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs are permitted on cemetery property.
9. No drones or commercial photography, filming without permission of the Bellefonte Cemetery Association.
10. Any person disturbing the quiet and good order of the cemetery by boisterous activity, noise or their improper conduct or who shall violate any of the forgoing rules and regulations will be liable to the fines and penalties as prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
1. Read and follow all cemetery rules.
2. Please refrain from touching, pushing, leaning, or, climbing on any monuments or
mausoleums. Stones may topple over posing a safety concern. Additionally, marble and brownstone surfaces are especially susceptible to damage if touched.
3. Carefully watch young children. The cemetery is not a playground. Help them understand the meaning of the memorials and the historical nature of the Cemetery.
4. Grave rubbings are not permitted as they damage the stones.
5. Never sit or walk on a monument, marker. Even if it has fallen. Always walk between the headstones and avoid standing on top of a gravesite
6. Do not disturb gravesites or items left as tribute.
7. Respect funeral services by staying at a distance. Do not take photos of others. If you encounter a funeral procession, please step aside and wait for the procession to pass. If your exploration of the cemetery brings you near a funeral service, please move along to an area that is not the site of active mourning.
8. Be respectful. Keep the volume of voices down and do not use offensive language. Turn the volume down in your vehicle or person.
9. Drive slowly and follow the posted traffic signs. If none are posted, be mindful that driving off of the roadway may be on someone’s memorial.
10. Do not liter. Pack your trash is a good rule when visiting.
1. No interments shall be made in the Union Cemetery until the designated officer is
furnished with a certificate of cremation or burial disposition permit, and the scheduled
administration fee. All interments are required to be recorded with the designated officer.
2. No installments of markers, monuments, or any permanent structures or fixtures shall be
made without the prior approval and notification from the designated officer. All
markers and permanent additions to plots are required to be recorded with the designated
officer.
3. A concrete base, two feet or more in depth will be place beneath or under all monuments
for support. There will be no exceptions. All flat or surface monuments will be placed
level with the ground. All in ground vases will be level with the ground. Vases that are
part of or inserted in the monument, it is recommended that the vase be flush with the
monument.
4. The Bellefonte Cemetery Association, and its members, and or employees will not be
responsible for any damage to monuments that are in violation.
5. Lot owners are responsible for the removal of flowers, wreaths, and ornamentations. All
decorations which are placed on or around graves or lots that are deemed hazardous or
create a maintenance problem will be removed and disposed of by cemetery staff. Glass
of any kind is not permitted in the cemetery at any time.
6. The Bellefonte Cemetery Association will not be responsible for the theft of or damages
to flowers, wreaths, urns, monuments or markers, flags or decorations. All flowers,
wreaths, emblems, etc. that are placed upon graves become faded or unsightly will be
removed by the cemetery staff.
7. Fences, railings, walls, hedges and park benches, in or upon, any of the lots are
prohibited. Lot owners are not permitted to plant any plants or bushes, evergreen shrubs
or trees.
8. The cost of repairs resulting from vandalism is the responsibility of the lot owner.
9. Hours of the Bellefonte Union Cemetery are from dawn to dusk. Person(s) on the
property after hours will be considered trespassing. Except those who were granted
permission by a member of the Board of Managers.
10. The Bellefonte Cemetery Association allows one full size burial on one plot. Burial
vaults are a necessity and will be required for all burials other than cremations.
11. The Bellefonte Cemetery Association allows two cremations on one plot with approval.
No interments shall be made until the designated officer is furnished with a certificate of
cremation or burial disposition permit, and the scheduled administration fee. All
interments are required to be recorded with the designated officer. Once a cremation is
interred in a lot a traditional burial is not allowed.
12. We encourage families to become involved and participate in the care of the stones and
markers of deceased friends and family members. Over time, there will be normal aging
and upkeep required for all the monuments and markers in the cemetery. The Bellefonte
Cemetery Association staff can provide cleaning service/training for a fee.
13. Lot owners are prohibited from erecting monuments of any kind, grave markers or corner
post which rise higher than the level of the ground. This restriction applies only to burial
lots in the Taylor section north of East Howard Street.
14. If a lot or any portion of a lot changes ownership, The Bellefonte Cemetery Association
or designated officer must be notified.
15. Persons making interment notifications must complete the current Bellefonte Cemetery
Association Burial form to furnished prior to the interment.
16. Disinterment will be made at the Bellefonte Cemetery Association’s discretion. Proper
legal Pennsylvania notification and permitting must be provided and all fees must be paid
into the Bellefonte Cemetery Association prior to the disinterment.
17. When a single grave shall become vacant, according to the state of Pennsylvania after 50
years, the grave shall revert to the Bellefonte Cemetery Association.
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