Ancient Cemetery Yarmouth Port
Yarmouth Port's oldest burial ground, a serene space filled with history, unique gravestone art, and local legends.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful and picturesque
Ancient Cemetery Yarmouth Port
Best Time
Peaceful and picturesque
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Yarmouth Port's oldest burial ground, a serene space filled with history, unique gravestone art, and local legends.
"A very beautiful and old graveyard, with many carved with winged skulls and other art distinct of the time."
🚶♀️ Stay on Paths
To preserve the grounds, please stick to designated paths and avoid walking on graves. :walking:
👻 Embrace the Lore
Many visitors report paranormal experiences; come with an open mind to the cemetery's legends. :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Margaret Winslow Miller's Stone
Oldest surviving marker
See the 1698 carved stone, a testament to early artistry and a poignant link to the past.
Winged Skull Carvings
Various older gravestones
Marvel at the distinct, artistic gravestone carvings, including iconic winged skulls, from a bygone era.
Pilgrim Era Graves
Throughout the cemetery
Walk among the resting places of early settlers and discover the deep historical roots of Yarmouth Port.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Uncover Local Lore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things you wish you’d done when you first moved here?
🚶♀️ Stay on Paths
To preserve the grounds, please stick to designated paths and avoid walking on graves. :walking:
👻 Embrace the Lore
Many visitors report paranormal experiences; come with an open mind to the cemetery's legends. :ghost:
"Secret" places in Norwich
Quiet, green areas 1 mile from the station
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. :camerawithflash:
🔍 Look for Details
Examine the intricate carvings and unique epitaphs on the older stones for a deeper connection. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stay on Paths
To preserve the grounds, please stick to designated paths and avoid walking on graves. :walking:
👻 Embrace the Lore
Many visitors report paranormal experiences; come with an open mind to the cemetery's legends. :ghost:
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture the history, but be mindful and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. :camerawithflash:
🔍 Look for Details
Examine the intricate carvings and unique epitaphs on the older stones for a deeper connection. :magnifyingglasstilted_right:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Ancient Cemetery a beautiful and historically rich place, appreciating the well-kept grounds and the unique artistry of the older gravestones, especially the winged skulls. Many are drawn by local legends of paranormal activity, adding an intriguing mystique to the visit. While generally well-regarded, some may find the historical context requires prior research to fully appreciate.
"Yarmouth has seven burial sites, of which Ancient Cemetery is the oldest. The carved stone for Margaret Winslow Miller, who died in 1698, is the oldest surviving permanent marker. The cemetery was in use during the 18th, 19th, and 20th century, expanding to cover over twenty-one acres with nearly five thousands known graves. Since 2018, the group Friends of Ancient Cemetery have cleaned and repaired the stones."
Abigail Epplett
"A very beautiful and old graveyard, with many carved with winged skulls and other art distinct of the time. A very peaceful place filled with history."
Sami Saurus
"My Grandparents house is as you could say the house on the Cemetery its next to the entrance and also shares land with the property only thing seperating them from eachother is a fence made of stone and iron poles. Its is a cemetary wich the first pilgrims reside and also manny of my family to creepy crypts all the way to above ground brick coffins If you dont beleive in Ghosts spend a night walking the premesise all sorts of paranormal events take place orbs almost see thrue like people walking about there is even a ''Lady In White'' who will make you question what you have just seen but when you go back or turn back to see her she vanishes. Indians once lived all over this land and arrowheads are not hard to find considering my Grandfathers garden is chalk full of them also jade has been found. Winter St wich one side of the cemetary resides on has its share of paranormal events like my great ancesters house the 2nd oldest house in yarmouthport then ''THE PORTAL'' wich is the house next to my Grandparents with a portal between the living and dead wich the dead can enter and exit as they please .Events happen all the time in my grands house like the Old man who watches over the children and the two older ladys who would love to have a conversation with you upstairs there are no evil spirits only in the Old family house built ontop of a indian gravesite when the house was being remodeled it sturred something up because it was soon rented to a couple who went fleeing out the house on the 2nd night living there along with 3 more renters till the house was blessed properly after being blessed by manny priests the Evil has gone....for now. Animal tracks seem to start at a gravestones no tracks leading up as if a spirit of th e dead picks a animal to be its vessel theres no tracks leading up to the stone or around they just start and follow to its destination then turn around back to the headstone and dissapear a fox is the most used vessel so far along with a doe deer wich on valentines day the doe went and made a heart in the snow outside my grandmothers kitchen window just after my Grandfather passed who is was also layed to rest in the Ancient Cemetary. All non beleivers find out for yourself but please respect the dead and the living in and around this place it is a fact some curses have been rooted into people and still are active today in them and theres for disrespect of the old Ancient Cemetery, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675"
Gary Levesque
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ancient Cemetery is located at 115 Old Main St, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Many visitors find it a peaceful stop during a scenic drive through Yarmouth Port.
Public transportation options directly to the cemetery are limited. It's best accessed by car or ride-sharing services. Consider it part of a larger exploration of the Cape Cod region.
Many visitors combine a visit to the Ancient Cemetery with exploring the charming shops and historic homes of Yarmouth Port village. It's a great starting point for a historical walking tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Ancient Cemetery is a public space and does not have an admission fee. It's free to visit and explore its historical grounds.
The cemetery is generally open from dawn until dusk. As it's an outdoor historical site, there are no strict closing times, but it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Yes, the Ancient Cemetery is accessible year-round. However, weather conditions may affect accessibility and comfort during winter months.
While there aren't official guided tours, the Friends of Ancient Cemetery group works to maintain the site. You can often find historical information posted near the entrance or online.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a rich tapestry of history, including the oldest marker from 1698, unique gravestone carvings like winged skulls, and the resting places of early settlers and Revolutionary War veterans. It's a place filled with history and local lore.
Yes, the Friends of Ancient Cemetery group actively cleans and repairs stones, ensuring the site is well-kept and accessible for respectful visitors. The grounds are generally in good condition.
There are no public facilities such as restrooms or water fountains directly within the cemetery grounds. It's advisable to plan accordingly before your visit.
The cemetery offers many photogenic opportunities with its historic stones and serene atmosphere. However, always be respectful of the solemnity of the site when taking photos.
It's the oldest burial ground in Yarmouth Port, in use since the 18th century, holding nearly five thousand graves. It's a significant historical site reflecting the town's early settlement and evolution.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the older sections with unique carvings, especially the winged skulls and the Margaret Winslow Miller stone. The interplay of light and shadow on the weathered stones can be very atmospheric.
While there are no strict restrictions, visitors are asked to be respectful of the solemn nature of the cemetery. Avoid intrusive photography and always be mindful of other visitors.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is helpful, especially for capturing details on older, weathered stones. A tripod can be useful for steady shots in softer light, but be mindful of space.
Drone usage is generally discouraged in cemeteries due to privacy and respect concerns. It's best to avoid flying drones over the site.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the most beautiful light, casting long shadows and highlighting the textures of the gravestones. Overcast days can also offer soft, even lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Among the most striking features are the gravestones adorned with winged skulls, a common motif in colonial cemeteries symbolizing the soul's flight to heaven. The Margaret Winslow Miller stone, dating from 1698, is the oldest surviving permanent marker and a must-see for history enthusiasts. The cemetery also serves as the final resting place for veterans of the Revolutionary War, such as Lieutenant Thomas Hallett, whose stone was carved by a member of the renowned Laptham family of gravestone carvers. The presence of these historical figures underscores the cemetery's importance in understanding the foundational years of Yarmouth Port.
Beyond the notable individuals, the cemetery is a repository of local lore, with tales of early pilgrims and even paranormal activity circulating among visitors and locals. The Friends of Ancient Cemetery group plays a vital role in preserving this historical treasure, undertaking cleaning and repair efforts to ensure the stones remain legible and intact for future generations. A visit here is more than just a walk through a graveyard; it's an immersive journey into the history and stories of Cape Cod.
Local Legends and Paranormal Whispers
These stories often involve specific locations within or adjacent to the cemetery, such as 'The Portal,' a house rumored to be a gateway between the living and the dead.
While these tales contribute to the cemetery's mystique, it's important to approach them with respect for the site and its inhabitants. The Friends of Ancient Cemetery emphasize respecting the dead and the living, acknowledging that some local beliefs suggest curses can be rooted in disrespect for the ancient grounds.
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