Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery

The Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery is a guided cemetery tour that will go through Bellefontaine Cemetery's beautiful Wildwood Valley. Attendees will experience the re-enactment of a 19th Century funeral service and then go on a tour around the Historic Hotchkiss Chapel. The tour will focus on the history and development of 19th-century rural cemeteries.

This event is FREE but registration for a desired time slot is required. Six time slots available to choose from. See website for more info and to register or call 314-381-0750. (Donations are always appreciated!) Event is put on by The Mourning Society of St. Louis.

Time Slots Available:

Tour 1 | 9:30am-12pm
Tour 1 | 9:45am-12pm
Tour 2 | 11:30am-2pm
Tour 2 | 11:45am-2pm
Tour 3 | 1:30pm-4pm
Tour 3 | 1:45pm-4pm

For More Information:

Bellefontaine Cemetery | 314-381-0750 | Website | Facebook

The historic Bellefontaine Cemetery was started in 1849 by a group of prominent men from the city of St. Louis. Almerin Hotchkiss, an associate of Frederick Law Olmsted who designed New York's Central Park, was hired to design the layout of the cemetery. Hotchkiss became friends with Henry Shaw and with his help, the cemetery is now noted to have one of the finest collections of trees in the St. Louis area. Amazing examples of architecture and cemetery art can also be found at Bellefontaine Cemetery, as well as the final resting places for many famous people including Adolphus Busch, of the famed Anheuser-Busch beer brewery; William Clark, famous explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition; and James Eads, architect who designed the St. Louis Eads Bridge.

Bellefontaine Cemetery is open daily for visiting 8am to 5pm, with extended hours in the summer. The Cemetery hosts many private and public, bus, walking and special themed tours throughout the year.

Please check the website listed on each event to get the most up-to-date information.