Congressional Cemetery

Congressional Cemetery Grounds open dawn to dusk everyday, dog walking by members. Founded in 1807, the cemetery is the final resting place of such notables as John Philip Sousa, J.
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Still an active cemetery with plots available, Congressional Cemetery has been owned by Christ Church since 1807 and has been operated by the nonprofit Historic Congressional Cemetery since 1976. Edgar Hoover, Vice President Elbridge Gerry, William Wirt, General Macomb and Push-ma-ta-ta. But as we say, you don't have to be rich and famous to be buried here, you just have to be dead. Located on Capitol Hill among 35 bucolic acres fronting the Anacostia River.

Hopping on this trend to show some of the folks who work at HCC!
03/12/2026

Hopping on this trend to show some of the folks who work at HCC!

Will you be at AwesomeCon this Saturday, March 14th?Explore Washington DC's spookiest stories with comic book creator (...
03/12/2026

Will you be at AwesomeCon this Saturday, March 14th?

Explore Washington DC's spookiest stories with comic book creator (Visitations, 1000 Ways To Die), and Historic Congressional Cemetery's A.J. Orlikoff and Kennedy Simpson as they discuss some of the spine-tingling true stories of DC’s dark past, while exploring some of the final resting places featured in the graphic novel, Visitations. Visitations is modern history as seen through the eyes of an old Victorian cemetery.

8:00pm, Room 207 AB

This month, we’re highlighting several inspiring reads from our Gift Shop in honor of Women’s History Month. These books...
03/11/2026

This month, we’re highlighting several inspiring reads from our Gift Shop in honor of Women’s History Month. These books explore the stories, achievements, and lasting impact of women who helped shape our nation and our city.

From the founding era to the many influential women connected to Washington, D.C., these titles offer insight, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the voices and leadership that continue to influence our communities.

Featured Titles:
• Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington, 1848–1868 by Cokie Roberts
• 111 Places in Women’s History in Washington, D.C. That You Must Not Miss
• Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts
• Historic Congressional Cemetery (Images of America)

Together, these works highlight the women behind pivotal moments in American history and explore the stories woven into the fabric of Washington, D.C.—including those connected to the grounds of Congressional Cemetery itself.

While you’re exploring these stories, we also invite you to visit the cemetery and discover the remarkable women laid to rest here. Walking the grounds offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the lives and legacies of women who helped shape our city and our nation.

Stop by the Gatehouse to browse the shop, or explore online here:
https://historic-congressional-cemetery.square.site/

Join us in partnership with Just Walk for a Cherry Blossom Pet Portrait event, perfect for pups and their people!This ev...
03/10/2026

Join us in partnership with Just Walk for a Cherry Blossom Pet Portrait event, perfect for pups and their people!

This event will take place immediately after the Cherry Blossom 5K on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 11am–4pm between the Chapel and the Sousa family plot.

Choose between dog or family-style portraits, and plan to dress up you and your pup in your favorite spring looks!

Tickets are sold in timed slots, and the event is open to everyone and their well-socialized dogs, even if you’re not a HCC K9 member.

Register for tickets below:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/cherry-blossom-pet-portraits-2026

This Women’s History Month, Congressional Cemetery will highlight some interred residents whose contributions are import...
03/09/2026

This Women’s History Month, Congressional Cemetery will highlight some interred residents whose contributions are important to the history (herstory) of this country.

Capitol Hill historian Ruth Ann Overbeck was a Texas native who visited Washington, D.C. as a high schooler in the 1950s and became entranced. “I totally loved Washington when I was here as an urban study student one summer," she recalled. "I decided that if I could possibly get back I would.”

That opportunity came in spring 1968. Between college and graduate school, Overbeck returned to D.C. and attended a Mother’s Day tour hosted by the Capitol Hill Restoration Society. Overbeck loved the community feel of the area and bought a house on Capitol Hill. She then returned to Texas to complete graduate school.

Overbeck graduated in 1970 and moved into her home on 12th Street. In 1975, she founded Washington Perspectives, Inc. (W.P.I.). whose mission was to “conduct research, plan, and implement various cultural, historical, social and education programs[.]” According to a memoir from her husband, Robert Hughes, published by the Hill Rag, “Ruth Ann chaired the team (the first 1 1⁄2 years) to research, define, and nominate the Capitol Hill Historic District to the National Register.”

Over her career, Overbeck worked on projects for the DOJ, National Park Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and too many other organizations to list here. For 30 years, she tirelessly researched house histories, designed historical walking tours, guest lectured, published books, and taught seminars. She inspired the Capitol Hill Community Foundation to launch “The Overbeck Project” in 2001 to preserve and publicize the history of the Capitol Hill community by recording the recollections of its longtime residents, presenting history lectures, and promoting historical research.

Overbeck passed in April 2000 at the age of 64, of pancreatic cancer. She wanted to be remembered as a “Historian, parenthesis Capitol Hill.” Her tombstone at Range 62, Site 58 is a reminder that history is all around us, and that we should all do a little research and “Look it up!”

Beginning March 23, Historic Congressional Cemetery will implement new daily visiting hours. The grounds will now be ope...
03/07/2026

Beginning March 23, Historic Congressional Cemetery will implement new daily visiting hours. The grounds will now be open to general visitors from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM each day.

This change is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and security across the cemetery landscape and reflects common operational practices at historic sites like ours. Visitors should plan their time on the grounds so that they are not arriving until the 7:00 AM opening time and exiting by the 7:00 PM closing time.

Members of the K9 Corps will continue to have after-hours access using a gate code that will be provided at orientation. The cemetery will also continue hosting evening programs and special events for registered attendees.

For more details about the new hours and what they mean for visitors, please read the full announcement on our website:

Read the full update: https://congressionalcemetery.org/blog/new-daily-operating-hours-at-congressional-cemetery/

If you have any questions, please contact our team at staff@congressionalcemetery.org.

Spring is almost here in DC, and that means cherry blossom season is right around the corner 🌸Join us on April 12, 2026 ...
03/06/2026

Spring is almost here in DC, and that means cherry blossom season is right around the corner 🌸

Join us on April 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM for the 3rd Annual Cherry Blossom 5K at Congressional Cemetery. Run or walk a scenic course through one of DC’s most unique historic landscapes and celebrate the arrival of spring with us.

Whether you're chasing a PR, enjoying a relaxed walk, or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a spring morning, this race is for you and every registration helps support the preservation and stewardship of Congressional Cemetery.

Register by March 27 to receive an official race t-shirt!

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/DC/Washington/HCCCherryBlossom5K

At 11am on March 27, Historic Congressional Cemetery invites the public to join us in a remembrance and wreath laying ce...
03/04/2026

At 11am on March 27, Historic Congressional Cemetery invites the public to join us in a remembrance and wreath laying ceremony at the Arsenal Monument, honoring the Irish immigrant women who lost their lives in the tragic Washington Arsenal explosion during the Civil War.

In June 1864, a catastrophic explosion tore through the Washington Arsenal, killing young women and girls who had stepped into industrial work traditionally reserved for men while the nation was at war. Most of them were Irish immigrants serving their adoptive country while many of their husbands fought in the Union Army. Their labor supported the Union cause and their deaths shook the capital. Today, their memory endures beneath the towering Arsenal Monument at Congressional Cemetery, a lasting testament to sacrifice, service, and immigrant contributions to America.

This year’s commemoration will feature remarks from Executive Director Mark Hudson and Her Excellency Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States. Ambassador Nason will lay the ceremonial wreath at the monument in honor of the women whose lives were cut short in service to their adopted nation.

The Arsenal Monument stands not only as a memorial to tragedy, but as a reminder of the essential role immigrant women played in shaping Washington, D.C., and the United States. Their story reflects courage in the face of hardship and underscores the enduring ties between Ireland and America.
All are welcome to attend this free public ceremony as we gather to reflect and remember.

Use the link below to RSVP!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/remembering-irish-american-sacrifice-arsenal-monument-wreath-laying-tickets-1983365342129?aff=oddtdtcreator

This Women’s History Month, Congressional Cemetery will highlight some interred residents whose contributions are import...
03/02/2026

This Women’s History Month, Congressional Cemetery will highlight some interred residents whose contributions are important to the history (herstory) of this country.

Congressional is the final resting place of several women journalists, including Winifred Mallon. At her death, the Evening Star called Mallon “one of the best known newspaper women” in Washington, DC. Mallon was born in North Evans, New York, in 1880. From an early age she was familiar with the political scene, as her father, Robert Patrick Mallon, “was actively engaged in politics and took part in the 1888 presidential campaign” per the UMD Biographical Database of Militant Women's Suffragists. Winifred Mallon was around 11 years old when she moved with her family to Washington in 1891.

When she reached working age, Mallon became a government employee. Initially, she was stationed at the cable desk at the State Department, and later she was employed at the Department of War as a clerk. Then, in 1902, a roughly 22-year-old Mallon became a freelance journalist. Three years later, she secured a steady position with the Chicago Tribune’s Washington Bureau. Mallon worked for the Tribune for two decades, specializing in covering the women’s suffrage movement.

According to author Maurine H. Beasley’s book, “Women of the Washington Press: Politics, Prejudice, and Persistence,” Mallon’s articles about topics such as immigration and military recruitment appeared under the pseudonym “Raymond.” Only on her women’s issues stories was she credited with her true name. Apart from her suffrage column with the Tribune, for a time Mallon wrote press bulletins for the Congressional Union for Women’s Suffrage and articles for its weekly paper, the Suffragist. On Immigration, Beasley writes that Mallon was "[c]onsidered an expert on immigration, having worked on Ellis Island as a government employee, [and] she was called before a congressional committee to testify on the subject."

Mallon left the Tribune in 1925, and in 1929 joined the staff of the New York Times. She retired from the Times in 1949 and died five years later. Her unmarked grave is located in Range 99, Site 110.

Historic Congressional Cemetery is pleased to host An Evening with the Residents, a unique comedy program this spring. N...
02/27/2026

Historic Congressional Cemetery is pleased to host An Evening with the Residents, a unique comedy program this spring. Named for the affectionate nickname for those permanently interred at the Cemetery, the program invites guests to enjoy an evening of humor exploring themes of remembrance, mortality, and the ways we talk about life and legacy, delivered by some of DC’s top comedians.

The event continues Congressional Cemetery’s commitment to death awareness, encouraging open and approachable conversations about mortality in a historic setting dedicated to memory and community. Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available for purchase.

The program will take place on Friday, April 3 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM, with doors and the bar opening at 7:00 PM in the Chapel. The event will proceed rain or shine with a flexible seating plan.

Tickets are $20 for lawn seating and $25 for guaranteed seating, which includes a reserved spot inside the chapel if the performance moves indoors due to weather.

Tickets are available here:
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/congressionalcemetery/an-evening-with-the-residents-a-comedy-show-at-historic-congressional-cemetery

Join the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum (CJM) this Passover season for their third annual untraditional ...
02/25/2026

Join the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum (CJM) this Passover season for their third annual untraditional seder on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at 575 3rd Street NW in Washington, DC. Enjoy a modern twist on cherished traditions as CJM and this year’s inspiring collection of partners host an evening of delicious food, meaningful reflection, and joyful celebration.

Read from the community Haggadah, clink glasses over stories old and new, connect over charoset and horseradish, and find inspiration all around the table. This seder experience is designed for community, conversation, and connection — where tradition meets creativity in a night to remember. Must be 21 or older to attend and present a valid ID at the door.

The Capital Jewish Museum explores the Jewish experience in the national capital region and inspires visitors to connect, reflect, and act — to connect personally and collectively, reflect on the relevance of the past to today, and act on behalf of their communities and values. With its experimental spirit, the Museum bridges past and present through thought-provoking exhibitions, dynamic programming, and creative public experiences that bring history to life.

Learn more

Continuing our Everyday Epitaphs series, we honor the life of Joseph Francis Loomis, whose story, shared by his wife Suz...
02/24/2026

Continuing our Everyday Epitaphs series, we honor the life of Joseph Francis Loomis, whose story, shared by his wife Suzanne Hazard, is one of baseball, books, adventure, and enduring love.

Joe was born in Oregon and raised in San Diego, the youngest of many cousins, deeply loved and quietly thoughtful. He loved baseball from childhood and never outgrew it.
In 1993, baseball brought him to Washington, DC, where he worked with the National Adult Baseball Association. It also brought him to E Street and to Suzanne.

Joe lived in the apartment below hers. Before they formally met, he could hear the “pitter patter” of cats running overhead. One day he knocked on her door with a package. Soon after, she invited him to a housewarming party, and they sat in the backyard talking for hours.

“Almost immediately,” she later said, “I knew I had found my soulmate.”

They married in 1998 and spent 21 years building a life shaped by adventure. A friend once described Joe with three B’s: beer, bikes, and baseball. Suzanne adds a fourth: books. Every room in their home held part of his extensive library. He was an avid reader, photographer, cat lover, and a man shaped by a strong sense of social justice.

Joe and Suzanne had long chosen Congressional Cemetery as part of their story, biking its paths and returning often.
When it came time to design his gravemarker, Suzanne turned to a photograph she had saved years earlier of a headstone shape she loved. But the clearest instruction came from Joe himself:

“The only thing I knew,” she said, “was what my husband always told me to put on his headstone: ‘I was fun while I lasted.’”

To some, it reads like a joke. To Suzanne, it is simply true.
The stone also reads:

“Lover of baseball, books, and Suzanne.”
“Lover of gardens, wine, music, and Joe.”

On the back are the names of their beloved cats, including Amos, once “Amy,” adopted from an Amish farm and carried home inside Joe’s coat.

Today, his gravemarker stands as a simple reflection of who he was and the life they built together full of joy, music, cats and adventure.

Address

1801 E Street SE
Washington D.C., DC
20003

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 6am
Sunday 8am - 6am

Telephone

+12025430539

Website

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