Visit Dell Park
Dell Park Cemetery is located along the banks of Fiske Pond, on the north side of Pond Street. Natick’soldest operating cemetery, Dell Park was originally founded as the town burying grounds in 1849. The Hon. Henry Wilson, who later became Vice President of the United States under Ulysses S. Grant, led the dedication ceremonies.
In 1890 Lakeside Cemetery to the west was purchased and became known as New Dell. New cremation and traditional lots are now available for pre-need purchase in New Dell. A pair of granite pillars, installed in 1999 at the west entrance, commemorate the Cemetery’s 150th year.
New cremation and traditional lots are now available for pre-need purchase in New Dell.
Visitors are welcome from dawn to dusk, weather permitting, and are asked to please leave their pets at home.
Visitor Guidelines
When you visit, please note regular hours are from dawn to dusk, and please observe the basic rules, which are posted near the entrance. Out of respect for both the living and the dead, cemetery etiquette requires that you respect the graves and not intrude on any services in progress. Many people come here to tend the graves of their loved ones, to meditate, and to enjoy the peaceful nature of the site. There are many other enjoyable spots in Natick where a picnic may be appropriate. This isn’t one of them.
Please do drive slowly and carefully as not all paths were meant for cars. Help us maintain the restful peace and beauty of this historic space.
And please leave your dogs at home.
Please Also Note:
- Flowers may be placed in front of monuments only. Glass containers may not be used at any time. After 7 days, flowers and wreaths may be removed. All plantings must be cared for by the lot owner, or be removed at the Superintendent’s discretion.
- No alcohol and/or picnicking are allowed on Cemetery grounds.
- No firearms are allowed, unless they are carried by authorized personnel such as the police or military.
Influence of the Picturesque, Rural Cemetery Movement
In the decades that preceded the American Civil War a new model of community burial ground became popular. Begun by the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1831, the movement spread throughout the east coast. Taking the burial ground out of the center of the community and establishing a park-like area for walks and quiet contemplation accorded well with evolving attitudes toward urban vs. rural living, and the sacred vs. the secular. The carefully laid out landscapes combined burial spaces for the dead that were used regularly by the living. They are regarded by many as important precursors of the city parks and public recreational spaces.
Henry Wilson Gravesite
Henry Wilson, abolitionist, congressman, and Vice President under Grant, is buried here. His passing was observed with services in Washington, D.C. and in Philadelphia, where his body lay in state before continuing its journey through New York City, to Boston and Natick’s Dell Park. The body once again lay in state in the large hall on the top floor of Clark’s Block. Final funeral services held in Natick were attended by dignitaries representing State and Federal government, the military, and clergy.
Cemetery Regulations
The Cemetery is subject to the regulations of the Massachusetts General Laws. A copy of the burial permit must be provided along with a certificate of cremation.
Lots must be purchased from the Dell Park Cemetery Association. Lots may be transferred by endorsement of the deed, subject to acceptance by the Trustees and recording in the books of the Cemetery.
Only the records of deeds maintained by the Cemetery will be recognized. Interment must be the lot owner or by permission of the Trustees.
All headstones must be in good taste, size and be in keeping with the other grave stones in the Cemetery. The Cemetery Superintendent has full discretion in determining the appropriateness of all new grave stones. All foundations will be prepared by the Cemetery.