New St. Joseph Cemetery

New St. Joseph Cemetery Cincinnati: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

New St. Joseph Cemetery, located in Cincinnati’s western hills, stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant Catholic heritage and rich legacy of 19th-century European immigration. Founded to address the needs of a growing Catholic population and as a response to devastating cholera epidemics, this cemetery today encompasses over 130 acres of rolling hills, mature trees, and meticulously landscaped grounds. It serves not only as a burial ground but as a cultural landmark, reflecting the evolving history, traditions, and resilience of Cincinnati’s Catholic community (St. Joseph Cemetery Association).

This guide offers detailed information on the cemetery’s history, visitor access, notable burials, and practical tips for a meaningful and respectful visit. Whether you are interested in genealogy, local history, or simply seeking a place for quiet reflection, New St. Joseph Cemetery is a site of enduring significance.

Introduction
History and Establishment
Cultural and Religious Significance
Notable Burials
Cemetery Layout and Features
Visiting Hours, Admission, and Access
Services and Amenities
Visitor Guidelines and Etiquette
Guided Tours and Special Events
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Practical Tips
References

History and Establishment

Origins

New St. Joseph Cemetery was established in 1853 after the original St. Joseph Cemetery—founded in 1843—reached capacity due to epidemics and a surge in Catholic immigration. Archbishop John Baptist Purcell acquired 61 acres west of Cincinnati to accommodate the Irish Catholic community, and by 1880, the cemetery had expanded to 163 acres (St. Joseph Cemetery Association; University of Cincinnati).

Immigrant Heritage

New St. Joseph Cemetery became a principal resting place for Irish immigrants and other Catholic communities. Burial records indicate that approximately 34% of the 25,348 burials between 1865 and 1912 were Irish, reflecting the hardships and stories of Cincinnati’s immigrant population (Scribd).

Cultural and Religious Significance

As a consecrated Catholic cemetery, New St. Joseph serves as a place of spiritual importance and community gathering. It features dedicated sections for priests, nuns, and various Catholic organizations. Annual religious observances, such as All Souls’ Day Masses, reinforce its role in the spiritual life of local Catholics. The cemetery has also adapted to changing burial customs, now offering traditional plots, mausoleums, lawn crypts, and cremation niches (St. Joseph Cemetery Association).

Notable Burials

New St. Joseph Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent Cincinnatians, including:

Marge Schott: Former Cincinnati Reds owner (CityBeat)
Bob Braun Sr.: Influential local media personality
Skip Prosser: Esteemed college basketball coach
Bishop Edward D. Fenwick, Archbishop William H. Elder, and Archbishop Henry K. Moeller: Pivotal Catholic leaders (St. Joseph Cemetery Association)

The cemetery also honors veterans, clergy, philanthropists, and everyday citizens who shaped Cincinnati’s history.

Cemetery Layout and Features

Size and Grounds: Over 130 acres of park-like lawns, winding pathways, mature trees, and well-tended gardens.
Sections: Traditional burial plots, garden and lawn crypts, mausoleums, columbaria, and sections dedicated to religious orders and community groups.
Notable Monuments: Historic mausoleums, such as the O’Brien mausoleum, religious statuary, shrines, and memorials to veterans and local leaders.
Accessibility: Paved pathways allow for wheelchair and stroller access, though some older sections may have uneven terrain. Maps are available online and at the office for easy navigation (cemetery map).

Visiting Hours, Admission, and Access

Visiting Hours:
- April 1 – September 30: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- October 1 – March 31: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Hours may vary seasonally; check the official website for updates.
Admission: Free; no tickets required.
Location: 4500 Foley Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45238 (Price Hill neighborhood)
Directions: Easily accessible by car, with ample on-site parking. Public transportation is limited; rideshare services are recommended (St. Joseph New Cemetery Association).
Office Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Services and Amenities

Burial Options: Traditional in-ground, mausoleum, lawn crypts, cremation niches (Full Service)
Grave Marker Designs: Variety of religious and personalized options (Grave Marker Designs)
Pre-Planning Consultations: Complimentary assistance (Pre-Planning Guide)
Memorials and Monuments: Benches, upright monuments, plaques (Memorials of Distinction)
On-Site Office: Staff can provide maps, assist with locating graves, and support genealogical research.
Facilities: Restrooms, benches, shaded areas, and accessible pathways.

Visitor Guidelines and Etiquette

Respectful Behavior: Maintain quiet reflection; avoid disruptive activities.
Decorations: Fresh flowers permitted; artificial decorations may have seasonal restrictions.
Pets: Only service animals allowed.
Photography: Personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use; professional shoots require permission (St. Joseph New Cemetery Association).
Vehicle Use: Remain on designated roads and observe posted speed limits.

Guided Tours and Special Events

While regular guided tours are limited, staff can provide informational visits and pre-planning consultations. Special events, such as Memorial Day services and All Souls’ Day Masses, offer deeper engagement with the cemetery’s history (Cincinnati Catholic Cemetery Society). Check the official website for current schedules.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring these nearby sites:

Mount Echo Park: Scenic views of Cincinnati and the Ohio River.
Price Hill Historic District: Features historic churches and architecture.
Downtown Cincinnati: Museums, restaurants, and cultural landmarks.
Cincinnati Art Museum and Over-the-Rhine historic district are also within easy reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: April–September: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; October–March: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Confirm seasonal updates on the official website.

Q: Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
A: No, admission is free.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Only service animals are permitted.

Q: Is the cemetery wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, main paths and buildings are accessible; some older sections may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Staff provide informational visits upon request; special event tours may be offered.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Personal photography is permitted; professional photography requires prior approval.

Q: How do I find a specific gravesite?
A: Use the cemetery map online or at the office, or ask staff for assistance.

Summary and Practical Tips

New St. Joseph Cemetery is a serene and historically rich destination offering visitors a window into Cincinnati’s Catholic and immigrant past. With expansive, accessible grounds, notable monuments, and a commitment to community engagement, it welcomes all who seek reflection or wish to honor loved ones.

Tips for Visitors:

Check current visiting hours before arrival.
Dress respectfully and wear comfortable shoes.
Use the available map or contact staff for guidance.
Respect cemetery rules and the privacy of other visitors.
Explore nearby attractions to enrich your historical experience.

For updated information, event schedules, and burial services, visit the St. Joseph Cemetery Association website. Consider using the Audiala app for interactive guides and further exploring Cincinnati’s historical sites.