Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum

Join us on July 10th from 7-9 pm for an enchanting evening of live harp music in the warmth and tranquility of our chapel. Surrounded by nature, guests will enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and the timeless beauty of harp melodies in an intimate setting. Whether you come with friends or take a quiet moment for yourself, this special event offers a wonderful opportunity to relax, unwind, and experience an evening of serenity and charm.

This event is 21+. Tickets can be purchased the link below:
https://bit.ly/4wb58Ea

Father’s Day can be a complex time for many. On this day and every day, we offer a peaceful place of remembrance for all those who have fathered, been fathered, or carry the memory of a father figure in their hearts.

Our grounds remain a place for reflection, connection, and honoring loved ones. Our gates are open until 4:00 p.m. today.

At Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum, we honor the enduring legacy of the Black community by celebrating resilience, achievement, and the power of remembrance.

Today, we are highlighting just a few of the remarkable Black individuals whose lives and contributions have left a lasting impact on our community and beyond. We also invite you to explore the rich history, culture, and achievements of the Black community through our self-guided Black History Tour. The tour shares the stories of influential individuals whose leadership, innovation, and perseverance continue to inspire future generations.

Head to your phone’s application store and search for “Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum” to download our app and find our Black History Tour.

➡️ Richard Theodore Greener was an educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights advocate who became the first African American graduate of Harvard College in 1870. He later served as dean of Howard University’s law school, a U.S. diplomat in Russia, and a champion of educational opportunity and racial equality.

➡️ Jewel Lafontant Mankarious was a trailblazing Chicago attorney and public servant who broke racial and gender barriers, becoming the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Chicago Law School and serve as U.S. Deputy Solicitor General. She later served as a U.S. ambassador and refugee affairs coordinator.

➡️ John and Mary Richardson Jones became Chicago’s leading African American activists after arriving in 1845, using their home to aid freedom seekers and support the Underground Railroad. Mary led community and anti-slavery efforts, while John became a successful businessman and the first Black man elected to public office in Cook County in 1871.

Our office is closed today, but our gate hours remain the same.

Within these sacred grounds, where memories are honored and stories live on, we celebrate the beauty and richness of human diversity. 🏳️‍🌈

Cemeteries remind us of our shared humanity. No matter our backgrounds, beliefs, or identities, we are united by the universal experience of mortality. This truth encourages us to cherish the time we have, extend compassion to one another, and embrace kindness, understanding, and acceptance as we journey through life together.

Join us in person for a magical evening filled with the soothing sounds of the harp. Set in our cozy chapel, this event is perfect for anyone looking to relax and enjoy beautiful live music surrounded by nature. Come experience the charm and serenity of the harp in an intimate, peaceful setting. Bring your friends or just yourself — either way, it’s bound to be a delightful time!

The age requirement for this event is 21+. Tickets can be purchased via the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harp-in-the-garden-chapel-edition-tickets-1991574440764

Due to severe weather in the area today, we may need to close our gates early with minimal notice. This is for the safety of our visitors. Thank you for understanding.

For the safety of our visitors, we are closing our gates early today, June 10, 2026, due to high winds and severe weather. Thank you for understanding.

It's National Bicycle Day! Graceland Cemetery & Arboretum is always a great place for a bike ride with our paved pathways, but did you know there's some bicycle history here, too?

Alfred Featherstone (1855-1924) was the founder of A. Featherstone & Company, one of the leading bicycle manufacturers of the 1890s. His company made velocipedes, tricycles and bicycles and helped make bicycles more accessible to everyday people by producing large quantities of reasonably priced models. He was also associated with the early use of pneumatic tire technology, which greatly improved riding comfort. In 1899, he sold his company to American Bicycle Company and became one of its directors. He died in 1924.

Featherstone is buried in our Ridgeland section, pathway 16, space 4.