Our History
The New Cemetery of Somerville was begun in 1867 through the cooperative efforts of the existing six local churches because Somerville had outgrown the space available in the old Raritan Cemetery across the road. At the time, the founding members, desiring the finest burial grounds possible, secured the design services of Ernest L. Meyer of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Mr. Meyer was a recognized expert in rural garden cemetery planning which was then gaining popularity. Garden cemeteries, in contrast to older cemeteries where tombstones stand in solemn rows, are laid out as landscaped parks where beautiful surroundings invite calm and peaceful contemplation.
The founders expected that this new town cemetery would suffice to meet the needs of Somerville for a hundred years. It has far exceeded expectations and continues to serve the town and surrounding communities. Its original design remains essentially unchanged and has matured into a handsome example of a Victorian cemetery with rustic roadways winding among a random profusion of grave markers and majestic trees keeping watch over the departed.
The proximity of the old Raritan Cemetery led Somerville residents to refer to our cemetery as the “New Cemetery,” a name reflected in many documents in that era. The New Cemetery of Somerville became its official name in 2008 when the Trustees reorganized it as a 501 (©)(13) non-profit corporation eligible to accept tax deductible donations. Today it is administered by a volunteer board of dedicated citizens, whose hope is to see it continue as a final resting place for cherished loved ones.
Please enjoy a slideshow presentation of the cemetery by clicking the "Play/Pause" button in the upper left hand corner of the large picture. You may also chose an individual picture to view by clicking on its thumbnail at the right hand side.
192 South Bridge Street, Somerville, New Jersey 08876 908-725-1871