Episode 162 - Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: A Conversation with Laurel Hill's Stewards
Uncover the rich history of the second oldest rural cemetery in America on "The Ordinary Extraordinary Cemetery" podcast! Join Jennie and Dianne alongside Laurel Hill Cemetery's President & CEO Nancy Goldenberg, Arboretum Manager Aaron Greenberg, and Volunteer & Tour Guide Sarah Hamill as they share Ordinary Extraordinary stories of those buried in the two burial grounds that make up Laurel Hill (including two fictional characters made famous in the Rocky movies), their passion for the hundreds of trees, plants, and wildlife that turn the park-like setting into an oasis in an urban jungle, and how vital this cemetery is to the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania. "Explore two wonderfully unique sites with an abundance of history, art, and natural beauty."
To learn more about Laurel Hill Cemetery, visit their website: https://laurelhillphl.com/
*All images and photos are the property of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Nancy A. Goldenberg, Hon. ASLA
President/CEO of Laurel Hill Cemetery
Nancy Goldenberg is the President & CEO of Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemetery & West Laurel Hill Funeral Home, responsible for ensuring that the historic properties remain premier cultural and educational destinations and national leaders in the evolving death care industry.
Prior to joining Laurel Hill Cemeteries, Nancy served for 20 years in multiple executive positions at Philadelphia’s Center City District, including that of Vice President of Planning and Capital Projects where she managed many high-profile public space improvement projects. She also served as Chief of Staff for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Program Manager for Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park Commission, and Assistant Township Manager for Lower Merion Township, PA.
A native of Cincinnati, Nancy has a B.A. from George Washington University and Master’s Degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a board member of the Pennsylvania Cemeteries Cremation and Funeral Association, the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, and serves on the Cemeteries Committee of World Urban Parks, an international organization working to improve urban open spaces world-wide. Nancy is an emeritus board member of the Fairmount Park Conservancy and previously chaired the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commission, the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and co-chaired the City Parks Alliance. Nancy is most proud of being a founder of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and an Honorary Member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a lif… Read More
Aaron Greenberg
Arboretum Manager of Laurel Hill Cemetery
Aaron Greenberg is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist with a passion for caring for large, old specimen trees and planting new trees for diversity and ecological resilience. As Arboretum Manager for Laurel Hill, Aaron oversees the living landscape of the cemeteries’ historic grounds, including tree care, shrub maintenance, horticulture, and the curation of the arboretum’s Living Collection. Aaron also serves as the volunteer State Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Champion Tree Program.
Sarah Hamill
Tour Guide at Laurel Hill Cemetery
Sarah Hamill, a long-time Friends of Laurel Hill member, is an experienced tour guide, event volunteer and researcher for sister cemeteries Laurel Hill East and Laurel Hill West. After retiring from a long career in marketing, she switched her to focus to her life-long fascination with cemeteries, planning cemetery visits on every trip she and her husband take, both here and abroad.
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