The Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery offer general and special-theme guided walking tours each weekend, May through October. For information about additional programs, see the Events Page.
2013 GENERAL TOURS
Public Tour of South Section of Mount Hope Cemetery
Every Saturday at 11:00 am beginning May 4 through October 12
Admission: $5 per person. Members and children under 16 free
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Refreshments following all tours.
The tour consists of a two-hour leisurely walk (approximately one to one-and-a-half miles) through the south section on paved roads and even terrain. Learn about 19th and 20th century Rochesterians including Rufus Sibley, co-founder of Sibley, Lindsay, and Curr department store; Frank Gannett, founder of the Democrat and Chronicle; James Vick, founder of Vick's Nursery; Alexander Millener, Revolutionary War drummer; and others.
Public Tour of North Section of Mount Hope Cemetery
Every Sunday at 2:00 pm beginning May 5 through October 27
Admission: $5 per person (except May 12 -- See the Events page). Members and children under 16 free
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Refreshments following all tours.
This tour consists of a two-hour leisurely walk (approximately one mile) on paved roads and uneven terrain. Subjects covered include local history, famous people (including Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass), horticulture, geology, architecture, symbolism, and more.
Twilight Tours
Every Thursday at 7:00 pm beginning May 9 through August 8
Admission: $5 per person. Members and children under 16 free.
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive. Parking inside cemetery.
Refreshments following all tours.
These 90-minute tours will include topics covered on the general tour as well as new material.
2013 THEME TOURS
All theme tours last approximately two hours.
Admission: $7 per person. Free for members of the Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Refreshments following all tours.
Rochester Baseball Pioneers
Saturday, May 11, 1:00 pm
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guides: Rochester Baseball Historical Society
Learn about the first men who played baseball in Rochester and how the game evolved.
The Bird Watcher Tour
Sunday, May 19, 8:00 am
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guides: June Summers & Joanne Mitchell
The early bird catches the worm! Yes, 8:00 am! Join Genesee Valley Audubon Society members as they seek out migratory birds visiting Mount Hope.
Rochester & the Legendary Erie Canal
Saturday, June 8, 11:30 am
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guide: Nancy Uffindell
The Erie Canal made Rochester a boom town, New York State the Empire State, and fueled westward expansion. Meet some of Mount Hope Cemetery's famous and less famous people and discover their important connections to this legendary waterway.
Mischief, Murder, and Mayhem
Friday, June 14, 7:00 pm
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guide: Dennis Carr
Meet some of Mount Hope Cemetery's permanent residents who bent, broke, or enforced the law.
Jewish Roots
Sunday, June 23, 10:00 am
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Joel Elliot
Explore the enormous contribution of Rochester's Jewish community.
Rochester's Prosperous and Penniless
Saturday, July 13 at 10:00 am
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Patricia Corcoran
Stroll paved, flat-surfaced Grove Avenue. Learn about the many notable families buried in beautiful mausoleums and artistic family plots.
Rochester's Abolitionists, Patriots, and Philanthropists
Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 am
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guide: Patricia Corcoran
Rochester was home to a number of major contributors in the shaping of early New York. Learn about their lives and the importance of their contributions.
The Revolutionary War
Saturday, August 10, 12:00 noon
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guides: R. Dreeson, S. Clarke, D. Carr
The American Revolution told through the lives of veterans buried in Mount Hope Cemetery. Covers action that took place in New York State.
The Ice Cream Tour
Saturday, August 17, 1:00 pm
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Don Hall
Learn about one of Rochester's earliest businesses: the making and selling of ice cream.
Lost Secrets
Saturday, August 24, 12:30 pm
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Professor Emil Homerin
An examination of symbols, inscriptions, and funerary art that expressed views of life, death, and immortality in the 19th century.
The Civil War Tour
Saturday, September 7, 1:30 pm
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Marilyn Nolte
The Civil War told against the backdrop of Mount Hope Cemetery with a focus on local involvement. This tour covers new themes each year.
Geology at Mount Hope Cemetery
Saturday, September 14, 12:30 pm
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive
Tour guide: Bill Chaisson
Want to know about the Rochester terrain as it existed hundreds of years ago? Geologist Bill Chaisson will share this early history in one of the only local places where it can be seen first hand.
Mischief, Murder, and Mayhem
Saturday, September 21, 12:30 pm
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Dennis Carr
Meet some of Mount Hope Cemetery's permanent residents who bent, broke, or enforced the law.
Mount Hope Cemetery by TRAM
Sunday, October 6, 12:00 noon and 2:00 pm
Meet: Cemetery Office, South entrance opposite the Distillery restaurant
Tour guide: Don Hall
The admission price for this special experience is $10 per person.
A great opportunity to visit a multitude of sites from the comfort of a tram. Photo ops galore!
By reservation only, as seating is limited (28 people for each time slot). Contact tour chairperson at 585-621-3529 no later than 5:00 pm October 5.
Fall Foliage Tour
Saturday, October 19, 12:00 noon
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive.
Tour guide: Ed Olinger/Zak Steele
Enjoy the variety and beauty of Mount Hope Cemetery's trees in autumn.
GRAND TORCH LIGHT TOURS
Saturday, October 19, 6:00 pm
& Tuesday, October 22, 6:00 pm
Meet: North Gatehouse opposite Robinson Drive. Note: No parking in the cemetery. Please park on Robinson Drive.
Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 day of the event
The finale to the tour season with a special tour path lighted by torches.
Check back closer to the event for important details.
