A Brief Overview of the Oakwood Cemetery Grounds
Historic Oakwood Cemetery was designed in the 1840s by architect John C. Sidney. In the late 1880s, Hannah and William S. Earl, wealthy citizens of Troy, constructed The Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel and Crematorium as a memorial to their only son, who had died tragically young. They spared no expense, using rare materials and top artisans of the day, including Louis Comfort Tiffany. The cemetery underwent its greatest development in the late 19th century under Superintendent John Boetcher, who incorporated rare foliage into the grounds and executed the landscape design laid out by J.C. Sidney. Oakwood was the fourth rural cemetery opened in New York, and its governing body was the first rural cemetery association created in the state.
About Oakwood
Oakwood Cemetery is a place to honor loved ones, contemplate nature, explore art and architecture, and discover the rich history of Upstate New York.
On Oakwood’s 282 acres you’ll find:
4 man-made lakes;
2 residential structures;
the Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel and Crematorium, a National Historic Landmark;
24 mausolea and burial vaults exhibiting a wide range of mid-late 19th century architectural styles housing the remains of many of the area’s founding families, industrialists and politicians.
approximately 60,000 graves, including several special sections honoring military, children, and those with cremated remains;
spectacular examples of the art of the Celtic Cross;
thousands of individual statues and sculptures;
nearly 10-12 miles of roadways which wind through Oakwood’s dense foliage and rolling lawns used year-round for recreation, wildlife watching, historic education, and more.
What Can I Do At Oakwood Cemetery?
+ Guided Tours
Oakwood is fortunate to have a group of dedicated volunteers, The Friends of Oakwood Cemetery, who regularly conduct tours. These tours range from nature and wildlife to historic recreations and thematic graves. Be sure to check our calendar for upcoming tours. You can also call the cemetery office at 518.272.7520 to find out if a tour is available.
+ Chapel Tours
One of our most popular sites is the historic Earl Gardner Chapel. Built in the 1880s, the chapel is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and the Cemetery’s most significant structure. Opened in 1890, this gorgeous edifice celebrates the Victorian notion of grandeur in death—and offers a window onto the stunning affluence of a select few. When you stop by, be sure to look up and say hello to our gargoyle.
+ See an Historic Meneely Bell
An historic 3-ton Meneely bell graces the front of the Earl Chapel and is still rung today to mark special events. The Meneely Bell Company of West Troy was one of the pre-eminent bell makers of the 19th Century. Oakwood’s bell, named the Vanderheyden Bell by the Meneely company, was dedicated on July 8, 1893.
+ Genealogical Research
Oakwood Cemetery maintains records dating from the first burial in 1850 to today, including information concerning who purchased a family plot, the plot’s “residents,” birth and death dates, cause of death, where death occurred (in some instances) and next of kin. The records also detail exactly where a loved one is buried. We will be happy to assist your search in any way we can. We provide genealogical look-up services at $10 per name. A response may take 4 – 6 weeks. Download our research request form. Also see our Civil War index.
+ Historic Vistas
Oakwood’s 100-mile panorama comprises the most beautiful view of the Hudson River Valley and a concentrated and complete overview of American history. The panorama affords a sweeping view of Albany and the Empire State Plaza, the Helderberg Escarpment, South Troy, downtown Troy, Lansingburgh, Watervliet, Green Island, Cohoes, the Cohoes Falls, Waterford, the Hudson River, the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, and the eastern terminus of the Erie Canal. It also shows evidence of paleolithic rocks, Native Americans, Dutch and British colonists, the French and Indian Wars, the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the “Way West” movement resulting in the creation of the Erie Canal and Champlain Canal. You can learn about the history of the places that are visible in Oakwood’s 100-mile view by visiting our “cliff notes,” an 84-inch annotated panoramic photograph located in the Cemetery’s northwestern section.
+ Walks
We welcome and encourage visitors during daylight hours to walk, bicycle and otherwise enjoy the beauty of our tranquil grounds. From our overlook, you can see one of the most amazing views of the Hudson River. We ask that you observe our rules and regulations, and exhibit the respect that is appropriate for a cemetery. Dog walking is permitted at Oakwood, provided that dogs are leashed and under control of their owners AT ALL TIMES.
+ Concerts and Special Events
Oakwood Cemetery frequently hosts concerts and other special events. Please check our calendar for upcoming activities. If you’d like to host an event at Oakwood Cemetery, please contact us.
+ Weddings
Each year, the Gardner Earl Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery plays host to a number of weddings. For more information, click here.
+ Educational Programs
Oakwood Cemetery provides a perfect backdrop for a better understanding of Troy and New York State during the Industrial Revolution through today. We proudly offer programs tailored to school children. If you are an educator, Scouts leader, or are interested in educational programs, please contact us.
Visiting Oakwood
Oakwood Cemetery was created as a park-like setting near the Lansingburgh area of northern Troy, New York, east of Cohoes and northeast of Albany, the capital of New York State. The cemetery is still an active burial site. We ask that visitors act accordingly.
186 Oakwood Avenue,
Troy, NY 12182
Hours of Operation
Cemetery Grounds
Open daily from 8:00am – 7pm
Oakwood Cemetery Office
Monday to Friday: 8am – 4:30pm
Saturday: 9am – noon
Sunday: Closed
Cemetery Map
Click here for our easy-to-use map of Oakwood’s grounds by section.
Parking
Permitted in marked areas. When parking on cemetery roads, please park carefully with all wheels on the pavement.
Restrooms
Located in the front foyer of the Gardner Earl Chapel and at the cemetery office.
Leadership
Board of Trustees
TCA Board Leadership
Thomas Maggs, President
Trudy Hanmer, Vice President
Toni Craft, Treasurer
James Conroy, Secretary
Oakwood Cemetery is owned and managed by the Troy Cemetery Association, Inc. (TCA) Board of Trustees. The Board consists of 11 unpaid volunteer lot owners who are elected by their fellow lot owners. The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting policies, fundraising and managing the finances, personnel, and property of Oakwood.
Staff
Our Team
Bernard Vogel, Chief Administrator
Todd Jackson, Superintendent of Grounds
** Thomas Gibson, our long-standing Superintendent, passed away in 2016. We honor his service.
Oakwood employs three full-time employees and hires seasonal hourly workers during the summer. Oakwood has a stable and loyal workforce of three, including the administrator and grounds supervisor, who each have more than 25 years of service. These three professionals oversee a seasonal staff that works tirelessly to keep Oakwood a welcoming and sacred place for all.