Friends of The Kensico Cemetery Inc. (referred to as “Friends of Kensico Cemetery” or simply “Friends”) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to preserving the historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Kensico Cemetery. Their mission goes beyond preservation as they strive to enhance public understanding and appreciation through various public programs.
In recognition of the local community’s needs, Friends of Kensico Cemetery is broadening its mission to include philanthropic initiatives that support other deserving organizations in Westchester County.
Couldn’t make it to our 2024 5K? You can support the Friends here.
If you would like to support the Friends of The Kensico Cemetery, you can make a tax-deductible contribution payable to Friends of The Kensico Cemetery, Inc. and mail it to:
Friends of The Kensico Cemetery, Inc.
PO Box 7
Valhalla, NY 10595-9953
For more information on how to get involved, please contact us at 914-949-0347 or friends@kensico.org.
Preservation
Established in 1889, Kensico Cemetery serves as a testament to the rich history of those interred there. The monuments and structures not only memorialize lives but also stand as an archive of architectural and cultural history. Friends of Kensico Cemetery is committed to preserving and maintaining these monuments, buildings, and edifices to ensure their historical, cultural, and architectural significance endures for future generations.
Image right: The first burial at Kensico Cemetery: Judge John Fitch, July 1890. Judge Fitch was a United States District Court judge who at one time was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as Registrar in Bankruptcy, a position he held for many years.
Image bottom: The first burial at Kensico Cemetery: Judge John Fitch, July 1890. Judge Fitch was a United States District Court judge who at one time was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as Registrar in Bankruptcy, a position he held for many years.
Education
Friends of Kensico Cemetery is dedicated to increasing public knowledge and awareness of Kensico’s rich historical, cultural, architectural, and horticultural legacy. Through engaging educational programs—such as specialized tours, tree walks, lecture series, and workshops—they encourage the community to explore and connect with the cemetery’s unique history. For organizations interested in collaborating for an event, they can email events@kensico.org.
Image bottom: Patrick Raftery Assistant Director and Librarian at the Westchester County Historical Society conducting one of our annual spring Historical Tours.
Image left: Patrick Raftery Assistant Director and Librarian at the Westchester County Historical Society conducting one of our annual spring Historical Tours.
Horticulture
In 2022, The Kensico Cemetery Arboretum achieved Level II status, making it the only Level II Arboretum in Westchester County. The Arboretum is home to 101 labeled tree and woody plant species nestled among thousands of other trees, plants, and shrubs spread across the cemetery’s 460-acre grounds. These require meticulous care, cultivation, and pruning. As part of their mission, Friends of Kensico Cemetery is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and expanding Kensico’s natural habitat.
Image right: Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) in bloom. One of the species listed on our arboretum list.
Community
In 2024, Friends of Kensico Cemetery extended its mission to include initiatives that support and collaborate with other charitable organizations in Westchester County. Their goal is to help the community thrive and foster engagement through both preservation and public service. This past October, Friends of Kensico Cemetery hosted a 5K Run and 1.7-mile walk through its beautiful 460-acre grounds, benefitting the YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester and Friends of Kensico Cemetery.
We hope you will join us for this year’s 5K on October 26, 2025, to continue to give back to the community. Save the date!
March 6, 2025
Tree Care 101: Pests of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
Weevils and bagworms and tree moths-- Oh my! Join ISA-Certified Arborists Mike Cook, Superintendent of Grounds at Kensico Cemetery, and Frank Molina, District Manager at Davey Tree Experts, for an informative and engaging discussion on the pests, diseases, and invasive species threatening your trees and shrubs. Discover how to identify, control, and manage these issues [...]
Contact Us
For more information about Friends of Kensico Cemetery, email friends@kensico.org, or call 914-949-0347
