TOURISM & TOURS
Frederick's Other City
Mount Olivet Cemetery proudly welcome tourists and family historians intent on exploring the grounds, varied grave monuments and most importantly, the 42,000+ magnificent stories of "lives once lived."
A self-guided tour is available, and several wayside interpretive panels assist in presenting background on the cemetery and notable individuals residing within. Special history walking tours of the cemetery are offered as well as lecture presentations. Usually these are part of the Friends of Mount Olivet annual membership program. Usually, announcements of these events are made on this site's homepage and our FaceBook page. (See also special events calendar for exact dates/times). On occasion, anniversary and commemorative events are held on the grounds and are open to the general public. For over 12 years, Maryland Heritage Tours and History Shark Productions have presented various themed (admission-based), candlelit, history walking tours, generally in October, but also at other times of year.
Mount Olivet hopes to build on its standing as a leading historic resource and tourism site for both the local community and travelers from around the world. We will continue to proudly showcase Frederick County and City history, made and shaped by countless people interred in our cemetery. Our public outreach, education and entertainment efforts include the fore-mentioned tours, special events and lectures, along with adding more outdoor interpretive exhibits to the grounds, research and creation of informative web-based history articles, to this website, enhancing genealogy assistance to visitors and lot-holders, creating additional historical interpretation assets, producing web-based articles/blogs, and conducting monument restoration projects.
Mount Olivet Cemetery holds Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence Award, and consistently ranks in the Top 20 of the most popular “things to do” in Frederick County. Founded in 2010, the Certificate of Excellence award honors the upper echelon of hospitality businesses that achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.
Family History
For those visitors conducting genealogical and family history research here, the admin staff is happy to help answer questions and give burial locations during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm). A few years back, the info kiosk (located inside the main gate and adjacent the Key Monument) was disconnected because of repeated issues and problems. In the meantime, the Friends of Mount Olivet group has worked diligently to bring the Find a Grave (findagrave.com) site for Frederick's Mount Olivet Cemetery up to 100% for all interments, now numbering over 42,000. Here you can find memorial pages including vital info, photos of gravestones and exact locations of decedents in advance of your trip, and your own. The cemetery's dedicated history website, MountOlivetHistory.com, includes cemetery history, section/area maps, and the "Stories in Stone" blog to assist visitors. The kiosk area offers paper cemetery maps, the self-guided tour brochure, and other brochures plus a large tabletop map display of the cemetery as well. Maps and brochures are also available at the Administration Office located in the rear of the cemetery within the Chapel Mausoleum Complex. This is open during business hours and on weekends from 9am-4:45pm.
Mount Olivet Cemetery proudly welcome tourists and family historians intent on exploring the grounds, varied grave monuments and most importantly, the 42,000+ magnificent stories of "lives once lived."
A self-guided tour is available, and several wayside interpretive panels assist in presenting background on the cemetery and notable individuals residing within. Special history walking tours of the cemetery are offered as well as lecture presentations. Usually these are part of the Friends of Mount Olivet annual membership program. Usually, announcements of these events are made on this site's homepage and our FaceBook page. (See also special events calendar for exact dates/times). On occasion, anniversary and commemorative events are held on the grounds and are open to the general public. For over 12 years, Maryland Heritage Tours and History Shark Productions have presented various themed (admission-based), candlelit, history walking tours, generally in October, but also at other times of year.
Mount Olivet hopes to build on its standing as a leading historic resource and tourism site for both the local community and travelers from around the world. We will continue to proudly showcase Frederick County and City history, made and shaped by countless people interred in our cemetery. Our public outreach, education and entertainment efforts include the fore-mentioned tours, special events and lectures, along with adding more outdoor interpretive exhibits to the grounds, research and creation of informative web-based history articles, to this website, enhancing genealogy assistance to visitors and lot-holders, creating additional historical interpretation assets, producing web-based articles/blogs, and conducting monument restoration projects.
Mount Olivet Cemetery holds Trip Advisor's Certificate of Excellence Award, and consistently ranks in the Top 20 of the most popular “things to do” in Frederick County. Founded in 2010, the Certificate of Excellence award honors the upper echelon of hospitality businesses that achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site.
Family History
For those visitors conducting genealogical and family history research here, the admin staff is happy to help answer questions and give burial locations during regular business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm). A few years back, the info kiosk (located inside the main gate and adjacent the Key Monument) was disconnected because of repeated issues and problems. In the meantime, the Friends of Mount Olivet group has worked diligently to bring the Find a Grave (findagrave.com) site for Frederick's Mount Olivet Cemetery up to 100% for all interments, now numbering over 42,000. Here you can find memorial pages including vital info, photos of gravestones and exact locations of decedents in advance of your trip, and your own. The cemetery's dedicated history website, MountOlivetHistory.com, includes cemetery history, section/area maps, and the "Stories in Stone" blog to assist visitors. The kiosk area offers paper cemetery maps, the self-guided tour brochure, and other brochures plus a large tabletop map display of the cemetery as well. Maps and brochures are also available at the Administration Office located in the rear of the cemetery within the Chapel Mausoleum Complex. This is open during business hours and on weekends from 9am-4:45pm.
Self-Guided Tour
"Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery/Key Gravesite and Monument
As the name suggests, this is a self-guided tour that can be performed on your own within the confines of regular cemetery hours. The route requires picking up the brochure/map guide in advance from the information kiosk adjacent the Francis Scott Key Monument, or the Mausoleum/office lobby. The brochure can also be found at other sites such as the Frederick Visitor Center and select Maryland Welcome Centers.
Click here for a view-able version of the brochure.
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Friends of Mount Olivet Lectures & Tours*
Various PowerPoint lecture presentations and walking tours are included as scheduled entertainment activities for our Friends of Mount Olivet membership group members. Topics range from Mount Olivet's history as a burying ground, interesting lives of cemetery inhabitants, and local Frederick history. Sign up for membership! Presenter: Chris Haugh When: See Friends of Mount Olivet schedule (check home page) Where: Mount Olivet (usually Key Chapel) Cost: Free with Friends of Mount Olivet membership Length: 1 - 2 hours (weather permitting) Contact: Email Chris at [email protected] or (301) 662-1164 *Friends of Mount Olivet membership required |
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"Frederick's Other City: Stories in Stone"
Mount Olivet Cemetery's Heritage Group Lectures & Tours PowerPoint lecture presentations and walking tours (or bus step-on tours) can be requested and scheduled as entertainment activities for local groups, clubs, organizations, churches, school field trips, and business outings. Topics range from Mount Olivet's history as a garden cemetery/burying ground, interesting lives of cemetery inhabitants, and ongoing efforts to preserve the cemetery. Presenter: Chris Haugh When: Contact to schedule Where: Mount Olivet or Group location of choice Cost: FREE, but donations appreciated for our Mount Olivet Cemetery Preservation and Enhancement Fund (a 501 (c) (3) fund) Length: Customizable (generally 30-60 min lectures or 1 -2 hour walking tours (weather permitting) Contact: Email Chris at [email protected] or (301) 662-1164 |
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"Frederick Under the Flag"
Veteran's Day Walking Tour * A two-hour tour through Mount Olivet Cemetery that introduces visitors to some of the 4,000 veterans buried here. Connections are made to participants of almost every major military conflict in our country's history. These include Revolutionary patriots, Civil War soldiers from both sides, World War I doughboys and current era wars such as Korea and Vietnam. Guide: Chris Haugh When: Veterans Day (November 11) 12 noon* Where: Leaves from Key Memorial Chapel Cost: FREE Contact: Email Chris at [email protected] or (301) 662-1164 *This tour may be requested to be given to clubs, organizations, veterans groups, etc at any time of the year as well |
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"Candlelight History Tour of Mount Olivet Cemetery"
(presented by Maryland Ghost Tours) Discover Frederick’s past while navigating by lantern and the light of the moon. This special seasonal experience takes participants on a leisurely tour through a labyrinth of graves, crypts and monuments of Historic Mount Olivet Cemetery. A costumed guide lead participants on a .09 mile journey through Mount Olivet’s hallowed grounds to pay respect to some of the cemetery's most famous and noteworthy figures. For more information, reservations and updated schedule: www.marylandghosttours.com Guide: Ron Angleberger When: Ongoing Where: Meet by Mount Olivet's front gate/FSK monument Cost: $ see website via button on left (rsvp appreciated)* Contact: (301) 668-8922 or visit the website via button to left for schedule/to make reservations *NOTE: Please consider reserving tickets early as these tours sometimes sell out |
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Annual "Unsettling" Candlelight Walking Tour of Mount Olivet Cemetery
(presented by History Shark Productions) All new edition of the tour each year! This is not a ghost tour, although we will talk about one or two. Instead, the name of the "walking class" says it all, as the stories slated to be reverently told are guaranteed to leave you with an uncomfortable and "unsettled" feeling. You will likely feel sorrow, compassion and empathy for the decedents whose graves are visited on our sojourn. Scheduled for 2 hours, the route will be about 1.5 miles in length, mostly on macadam roadways with occasional walking on grass to access gravesites. Participants should be 16 years of age or over as much of the subject matter is intended for more mature audiences. Dress appropriately including proper footwear, and feel free to bring a drink and a flashlight, or your own lantern. Rain or Shine (unless extreme weather conditions in which contingency plans will be made for make up tours). Meet at Key Memorial Chapel, with parking in adjacent driveways. Guide: Chris Haugh When: Halloween and late October (various dates) Where: Leaves from Key Memorial Chapel (walk ups welcome) Cost: $ see History Shark Productions.com website for schedule Contact: [email protected] *Please register in advance as space will be limited. Use button at left to learn more. |
Frederick History-Themed Walking Tours/Classes
Mount Olivet Cemetery
History Shark Productions conducts springtime walking tours of Mount Olivet with such topics as Frederick History 101: 1700s-1800s; Frederick History 101: 1900s-present; Frederick Black History; and Frederick in the American Civil War. These 2-hour tours are based on History Shark Productions lecture courses and utilize Mount Olivet Cemetery as an outdoor classroom.
Guide: Chris Haugh
When: Spring/Summer
Where: Mount Olivet Cemetery (See HSP website)
How: By appointment/reservation only
Cost: $ See HistorySharkProductions.com website for scheduled offerings/registration
Contact: [email protected]
Mount Olivet Cemetery
History Shark Productions conducts springtime walking tours of Mount Olivet with such topics as Frederick History 101: 1700s-1800s; Frederick History 101: 1900s-present; Frederick Black History; and Frederick in the American Civil War. These 2-hour tours are based on History Shark Productions lecture courses and utilize Mount Olivet Cemetery as an outdoor classroom.
Guide: Chris Haugh
When: Spring/Summer
Where: Mount Olivet Cemetery (See HSP website)
How: By appointment/reservation only
Cost: $ See HistorySharkProductions.com website for scheduled offerings/registration
Contact: [email protected]
Mount Olivet's history experts: Chris Haugh (left) and Ron Pearcey (right).
For History's Sake
Mount Olivet is fortunate to have two local history experts on its full-time staff: Ron Pearcey and Chris Haugh. Both do their best to make sure Mount Olivet's visitors grasp the impact and importance of the cemetery on the Frederick community, both past and present.
Superintendent J. Ronald Pearcey has been working at Mount Olivet for over 50 years, nearly a third of the cemetery's existence. He has seen quite a bit of change to both the cemetery and Frederick over his tenure, all the while assisting families with thousands of burials of loved ones. Ron is also a genealogy enthusiast, and has constructed a personal family tree that holds over 7,000 names, many of which rest in peace here.
Countless visitors have entered Mount Olivet's gates over the years, and Ron has been on hand to share his vast knowledge of the cemetery's business history with them. He has also fielded more than his share of questions regarding Francis Scott Key, Barbara Fritchie and Confederate Row. Ron has been influential in assisting with commemorative ceremonies such as the 150th anniversary of Mount Olivet (2004), the centennial celebration of the FSK monument (1998) and the Bicentennial of Francis Scott Key's writing of the Star-Spangled Banner (2014). He has co-authored a written history of Mount Olivet "Frederick's Other City" and another on War of 1812 Veterans found in the cemetery. Ron is often called on to assist with cleanup or advice on other smaller historic and private burying grounds in the area.
Mount Olivet is fortunate to have two local history experts on its full-time staff: Ron Pearcey and Chris Haugh. Both do their best to make sure Mount Olivet's visitors grasp the impact and importance of the cemetery on the Frederick community, both past and present.
Superintendent J. Ronald Pearcey has been working at Mount Olivet for over 50 years, nearly a third of the cemetery's existence. He has seen quite a bit of change to both the cemetery and Frederick over his tenure, all the while assisting families with thousands of burials of loved ones. Ron is also a genealogy enthusiast, and has constructed a personal family tree that holds over 7,000 names, many of which rest in peace here.
Countless visitors have entered Mount Olivet's gates over the years, and Ron has been on hand to share his vast knowledge of the cemetery's business history with them. He has also fielded more than his share of questions regarding Francis Scott Key, Barbara Fritchie and Confederate Row. Ron has been influential in assisting with commemorative ceremonies such as the 150th anniversary of Mount Olivet (2004), the centennial celebration of the FSK monument (1998) and the Bicentennial of Francis Scott Key's writing of the Star-Spangled Banner (2014). He has co-authored a written history of Mount Olivet "Frederick's Other City" and another on War of 1812 Veterans found in the cemetery. Ron is often called on to assist with cleanup or advice on other smaller historic and private burying grounds in the area.
Chris Haugh holds the title of Mount Olivet's Community Relations and Historic Preservation Manager. For nearly 35 years, Chris has researched, produced and published numerous award-winning presentations on Frederick County history. In 1995, he told the City of Frederick's rich story using the Ken Burns documentary approach with a 10-hour epic history of the City of Frederick entitled “Frederick Town.” Haugh's 2012 documentary film “Maryland’s Heart of the Civil War,” received an Emmy®Award having been produced by the Tourism Council of Frederick County in partnership with Maryland Public Television (MPT) and shown on public television stations across the United States. Additional video works have centered on the region's pre-historic roots and inhabitants , Frederick's unique African-American heritage, the town of Thurmont and adjacent Catoctin Mountain, and most recently, Frederick's Civil War heroine, Barbara Fritchie.
Most recently, Haugh served for over 8 years with the Tourism Council of Frederick County, following 17 years overseeing Cable Channel 10 for GS Communications and Adelphia Communications. Today, Chris runs his own business entitled History Shark Productions, which specializes in history consulting, research, writing and family legacy documentation. He is a frequent lecturer, step-on tour guide and also teaches public history courses for Frederick Community College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement and under his own moniker of History Shark Productions.
Contact Chris with a cemetery history question
Most recently, Haugh served for over 8 years with the Tourism Council of Frederick County, following 17 years overseeing Cable Channel 10 for GS Communications and Adelphia Communications. Today, Chris runs his own business entitled History Shark Productions, which specializes in history consulting, research, writing and family legacy documentation. He is a frequent lecturer, step-on tour guide and also teaches public history courses for Frederick Community College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement and under his own moniker of History Shark Productions.
Contact Chris with a cemetery history question