Aulenbach's Cemetery
A historic, non-denominational cemetery established in 1853, managed by dedicated volunteers focused on long-term preservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Aulenbach's Cemetery
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, non-denominational cemetery established in 1853, managed by dedicated volunteers focused on long-term preservation.
"A peaceful place with dedicated volunteers working to improve the grounds."
📞 Inquire About Records
If searching for a specific plot, contact the cemetery office in advance to understand their record-keeping process.
🌿 Respectful Visitation
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while exploring the grounds. Remember it's a place of remembrance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Resting Place
A serene, historic cemetery established in 1853, offering a glimpse into local history and family legacies.
Volunteer-Run Grounds
Witness the dedication of a volunteer staff working to maintain and improve this cherished community space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding Aulenbach's Legacy
Plot Information & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Inquire About Records
If searching for a specific plot, contact the cemetery office in advance to understand their record-keeping process.
🌿 Respectful Visitation
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while exploring the grounds. Remember it's a place of remembrance.
📅 Plan Your Visit
Check operating hours and any specific visitor guidelines before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Inquire About Records
If searching for a specific plot, contact the cemetery office in advance to understand their record-keeping process.
🌿 Respectful Visitation
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor while exploring the grounds. Remember it's a place of remembrance.
📅 Plan Your Visit
Check operating hours and any specific visitor guidelines before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aulenbach's Cemetery is a historic, volunteer-run resting place established in 1853. While many appreciate the dedication of the staff and the ongoing efforts to improve the grounds, some visitors have encountered challenges regarding plot information access and perpetual care fees. The cemetery offers a peaceful environment for reflection and connection to local history.
"Aulenbach Cemetery Company is a non-denominational cemetery. It was established in 1853 with interments still happening today. It dies not have large benefactors and is run by an all volunteer staff who do an awesome job. They are actively working to correct recurring issues by looking forward 10 years and seeing what they need to do today to put processes in place to curb these issues."
MaryAnn Dierolf
"My experience with Aulenbach has been quite the contrary to recent posts. I made a trip to Reading to find the resting place of my mother's parents after my mother died. I very much wanted to pay my respects to the people who gave me my mother. To my misfortune, I was told that my mother's mother was buried in Aulenbach; and, that her father was at Charles Evans. Why the separation? - I do not know; but, something I'd hoped to find out. Upon confirming that my mother's mother was indeed buried at Aulenbach, I tried to find the grave. Apparently, there was no headstone and so my only hope was to try to contact a person who held the plot map. I finally found this person - AND to my horror, I would not be allowed to know the location of my maternal grandmother UNLESS and UNTIL I paid for 'perpetual care.' It appears that my mother was unable to pay for much more that a modest internment when she was a mere teenager and her mother died. I spent hours at the apartment of the gatekeeper to the records who would NOT give me any information as to where my mother's mother was buried UNLESS I handed over a lot of money first. Now, while I have absolutely NO Problem paying for perpetual care and a headstone for my mother's mother - I REFUSE to do so without any information as to where she is buried! Seriously? Holding the location of my grandmother's grave hostage Until and Unless I first commit to funding a headstone and perpetual care? What kind of sick place is this?? I had to beg just to get confirmation that my grandmother is buried in Aulenbach - but, Never got the location of her grave; that required the purchase of a headstone and payment of past-due and forward 'perpetual care.' It is so very disheartening to know that my grandmother is somewhere in that dingy place - and, I am not able to find her - UNLESS I first pay a fee to a very strange lady in an apartment full of cats! Again, very sick!!"
Jamie Gottschalk-Hall
"Peaceful place. My Grandparents are buried here and when I visit, the grounds are definitely in better shape then they were in the past. Hopefully it will always improve."
Brian Hess
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aulenbach's Cemetery is located in Reading, Pennsylvania. It is accessible by car, and visitors can use GPS navigation. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Parking is typically available on-site at Aulenbach's Cemetery. Visitors should look for designated parking areas upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Aulenbach's Cemetery is generally free to enter for visitation. However, specific services like plot purchases or perpetual care arrangements will have associated costs.
Visiting hours can vary. It's advisable to check with the cemetery administration or their official channels for the most current operating hours before planning your visit.
Weekend visits are usually permitted, but it's always best to confirm the specific hours of operation, especially for administrative offices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The condition of the grounds can vary. Some visitors note improvements over time, while others mention areas needing more attention, particularly regarding grass cutting and weed management. +1
Yes, many visitors find Aulenbach's Cemetery to be a peaceful place for quiet reflection and remembrance, especially during off-peak hours.
As a historic cemetery, the main features are the tombstones and the landscape itself, offering a sense of history and tranquility.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
Aulenbach's Cemetery does not typically have on-site dining facilities. Visitors are advised to plan for meals before or after their visit.
Visitors are generally allowed to bring food and drinks for personal consumption, but it's important to be respectful of the grounds and dispose of all trash properly.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Aulenbach's Cemetery. However, it's always good practice to be discreet and respectful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful, soft lighting for photography, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the cemetery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families Seeking Ancestral Connections
Be prepared for the possibility that plot records might not be immediately accessible without discussion of perpetual care fees. Visitors have found success by being upfront about their intentions and inquiring about the process for locating graves and arranging for future care. The cemetery's volunteer staff are the primary point of contact for such inquiries.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers and Reflective Visitors
Visitors can wander the grounds at their own pace, taking in the history etched into the tombstones. The absence of large crowds, especially on weekday mornings, enhances the serene experience. Remember to be mindful and respectful of the space as it is a place of rest for many.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Plot Information and Perpetual Care
However, some visitors have reported difficulties in obtaining plot locations without first committing to payment for perpetual care or headstones. This can be a sensitive issue, especially for individuals who are new to managing family estates or who have limited immediate resources. It's recommended to approach the cemetery administration with clear questions about their policies and to be prepared for discussions about fees associated with plot maintenance and monument installation.
The volunteer staff are dedicated to the cemetery's future, and their efforts are focused on ensuring its long-term viability. While this can sometimes lead to stringent policies, their goal is to preserve the cemetery for generations to come.
The Role of Volunteers and Cemetery Management
These volunteers are actively engaged in addressing recurring issues by implementing forward-thinking strategies. They aim to establish processes today that will mitigate problems in the years to come, ensuring the cemetery remains a well-maintained and respected place. Visitors often express appreciation for the hard work and dedication of these individuals who keep the cemetery operational without large benefactors.
The volunteer-driven nature means that communication and access to certain information might be handled differently than in a larger, professionally staffed institution. Patience and clear communication are key when interacting with the cemetery's management.
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