Presbyterian Cemetery

01/30/2026

Weather & Access Update – Cemetery Complex

Due to the recent sleet and ongoing icy conditions, vehicle access beyond the Wilkes Street & Hamilton Lane intersection is currently not possible. Hamilton Lane remains a solid sheet of ice and is unsafe for both vehicles and foot traffic.

For everyone’s safety, visitors and dog walkers are advised not to proceed past the intersection at this time.

Road conditions are being monitored, but access improvements are not expected for at least another week or two, depending on weather conditions.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prioritize safety. Updates will be shared here as conditions change.

01/23/2026

Due to the forecasted bitter wind conditions on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Presbyterian Cemetery vehicle gates will not be opened during the normal Saturday hours of 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In addition, with heavy snow forecast for Saturday night into Sunday, January 25, 2026, access through the pedestrian gate may be affected and temporarily inoperable due to freezing temperatures and wet conditions.

We expect operations to return to normal once the weather system passes and temperatures return to more seasonable conditions.

Send a message to learn more

12/08/2025

Wreaths Across America returns this Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Alexandria National Cemetery, with the ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Please note that vehicle traffic throughout the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex will be restricted starting at 8:00 a.m., including road closures and limited access leading up to and during the event.

The Presbyterian Cemetery will remain open to visitors, but vehicle access will be affected, and the vehicle gates will not reopen at the normal 11:00 a.m. time. Instead, they are expected to reopen closer to noon, once traffic flow and event activities allow.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as our community honors the more than 4,200 veterans resting at Alexandria National Cemetery.

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2025

Due to the Annual Scottish Walk Christmas Parade taking place in Old Town Alexandria this Saturday, vehicle access to the Presbyterian Cemetery may be affected.

If you need to enter the grounds using the pedestrian gate, please email the superintendent at cemetery@opmh.org. He will respond as soon as he is able.

Thank you for being so understanding during this busy community event.

Send a message to learn more

07/04/2025

Worship in the Presbyterian Cemetery – Sunday, July 6 at 10 AM

Wrap up the Fourth of July weekend with a meaningful moment of worship in one of Alexandria’s most peaceful and historic settings.

Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM in the Presbyterian Cemetery for a special outdoor service. Bring a chair, a hat, and sunscreen, and come ready to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice together.

This sacred space offers a quiet beauty that makes it an ideal place to end the holiday weekend in community and gratitude.

All are welcome—we hope to see you there!

06/14/2025

Worship Among the Stones
Sunday, July 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Instead of its regular Sunday service, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House will gather for an exceptional outdoor worship service in the historic Presbyterian Cemetery. Surrounded by the stories of those who came before us, we invite all to join in this meaningful time of reflection, prayer, and music.

All are welcome.

Presbyterian Cemetery
600 Hamilton Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314

06/08/2025

We're Live: Visit the New Website for The Presbyterian Cemetery
https://prescemeteryalex.org

We're pleased to announce the launch of our new website for The Presbyterian Cemetery & Columbarium in Alexandria, Virginia. Whether you're researching family history, planning a visit, or seeking burial and columbarium options, the site is now a central hub for information.

The site includes:
– Historical background and notable burials
– Visitor access and contact information
– Burial planning resources and columbarium details
– Downloadable brochures and updates

We invite you to explore the site and share it with anyone interested in the history and legacy of Alexandria’s cemeteries.

Thank you for helping us preserve and honor this sacred ground.

Alexandria, Virginia

01/04/2025

Due to the frigid temperatures, the cemetery vehicle gates will remain closed today. Thank you for your understanding and stay warm!

12/11/2024

🚨 Important Announcement: Wreaths Across America Event 🚨

The annual Wreaths Across America event will take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to noon in the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex.

Please note:

Road closures will be in effect during this time, and driving to the cemetery will not be possible.

Last year, this event drew an estimated 2,000 attendees, and a similar or larger crowd is expected this year.

Pedestrian access will remain available until 11:00 a.m., but vehicle access, which normally begins at that time, will not be possible until after the event concludes.

Thank you for being so understanding as we come together to honor those who have served. ❤️🇺🇸

Send a message to learn more

11/15/2024

Notice: Temporary Saturday Gate Openings

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the cemetery vehicle gates may not always be open during the usual hours of 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. While we are working with volunteers to maintain access, this may not be possible every week.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage visitors to plan accordingly. Thank you for your patience during this temporary adjustment.

Send a message to learn more

10/16/2024

🚨 Cemetery Update 🚨

From October 15 to 24, 2024, professional conservators Howard Wellman and Devlin McDonald will be working in Douglass Cemetery to restore priority gravestones. I’ve given them access to the water supply at the Presbyterian Cemetery to assist in this important work.

They’ll be addressing 32 monuments on the west side of Douglass Cemetery, focusing on gravestones that are leaning, rocking, or cracking—those most in need of repair, based on the 2022 Douglass Memorial Cemetery Preservation Plan.

This vital conservation project is funded by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources’ African American Cemetery and Graves Fund. It will also include training for members of the Douglass Cemetery Descendant Advisory Group and the Office of Historic Alexandria staff.

Thanks for your understanding as we help preserve this sacred space. 🙏

Send a message to learn more

10/12/2024

Congratulations to Haneef (formerly Arnold Russell) on his well-deserved induction into the Alexandria High School Hall of Fame today, October 12, 2024! As a member of the Class of 1980 at T.C. Williams (now Alexandria High School), Haneef was the school’s all-time leading scorer when he graduated and led the Titans to a state championship. He went on to play at Iona College, where he guided them to two NCAA men’s basketball tournaments and earned a degree in Humanities.

Beyond his incredible accomplishments on the court, Haneef’s humility and dedication continue to shine. Each week, with quiet dignity, he picks up trash at the Presbyterian Cemetery, giving back to the community in the most selfless of ways. We’re proud of all that you’ve achieved and the example you set, Haneef! Congratulations!