FAQ

The Board of Trustees and staff oversee all grounds maintenance, care of cemetery buildings and the crematory operations. Operations are funded through crematory services and the sale of burial lots. Capital projects are supported by a professionally managed endowment fund.

The cemetery is a privately owned nonprofit corporation called "Proprietors of Harmony Grove Cemetery" that is managed by a Board of Trustees and a small staff.

Harmony Grove Cemetery is a 501(c)(13) organization, a federally recognized nonprofit cemetery company dedicated exclusively to providing and maintaining burial services. These organizations operate without profit and ensure that all funds are used for the care, preservation, and long-term upkeep of their grounds and facilities. This designation allows them to focus on serving their communities with dignity while benefiting from federal tax-exempt status.

Yes, donations are greatly appreciated. As the cemetery embarks on new capital improvements, additional support will be needed more than ever. You can donate via PayPal HERE or email us at harmonygrovesalem@gmail.com to discuss other ways to donate.

Pets are not permitted on cemetery grounds. Service dogs are welcome.

Personal photography is permitted. Professional photography is allowed with a permit. Please reach out to management at: harmonygrovesalem@gmail.com.

Visitor Tips & Guidelines can be found HERE.  Our full Rules and Regulations can be found HERE.

The cemetery grounds are open from 7 AM to 7 PM June through September and 7 AM to sunset October through May. The office is open from 8 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday.

The cemetery offers cremation burial lots that can be purchased in advance or at the time of need. If you already have a family lot or a single casket grave, you may be able to bury cremated remains there as well.

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When you purchase a burial lot, you are purchasing the right of burial and perpetual care. Perpetual care is a long-term maintenance fund that ensures a burial lot is professionally cared for in perpetuity, guaranteeing ongoing upkeep of the cemetery grounds. The number of burials permitted depends on the type and location of the lot. Gravestone, markers and monument maintenance are not included in the lot purchase price.

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Yes. Cremation lots are available for pre-need purchase. A limited number of full burial graves will be available in early 2026. There are also a very limited number of full burial graves currently available on an at-need basis. For more information, please see our BURIAL OPTIONS or reach out to the cemetery office.

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While you can request a cremation take place at our crematory, the cremations must be arranged through a funeral director. More information can be found HERE.

Traditional casket burials should also be arranged through a funeral director, who will coordinate the burial directly with the Cemetery staff. Cremation burials can be planned either directly with the Cemetery staff or through a funeral director and should be scheduled at least 72 business hours in advance. Cremation burials are scheduled seasonally. Please contact the cemetery staff for off-season requests.

The owner of the gravestones are responsible for the care and maintenance of the gravestones and markers. Some maintenance can be arranged through a monument company, and some can be performed by HGC staff for a fee. Contact the HGC office to discuss options.

When no surviving family members remain to maintain a gravestone, the marker may naturally weather over time. While families are traditionally responsible for monument upkeep, the Cemetery may, at its discretion, perform repairs or maintenance if a stone poses a safety concern or requires attention for preservation.

Natural décor is permitted. The full décor policy can be found in the Rules and Regulations HERE.

HGC does not sell gravestones. Gravestones can be purchased through a monument company. The preparation of the gravestone base is performed by HGC staff. Upright gravestones are installed by the monument company and flat markers are installed by HGC staff. Payment for these services is made to HGC.

Yes. Regulations vary based on the type and location of the grave. Regulations can be found here: (insert link to monument PDF.)

Yes. The cemetery has kept burials records going back to the first burial in 1840, along with some genealogical records and correspondence. Please contact office at with your inquiry at harmonygrovesalem@gmail.com.

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Our burial database can be found HERE.

Yes. The chapel is available for wedding ceremonies and vow renewals. Wedding receptions cannot be accommodated. Ceremonies may also be held in designated areas of the cemetery grounds where there are no graves.

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Yes. The chapel is available for funerals, memorial services and community events. Please contact the office to discuss your event, chapel availability, and pricing.

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Yes, the cemetery hosts several walking tours throughout the year as well as lectures and community-focused, educational events. Check the Events page for upcoming EVENTS.

There are several volunteer opportunities available that include cleaning historic gravestones, Memorial Day flag placement, seasonal flower planting, and more. Send us an email at: harmonygrovesalem@gmail.com if you'd like to help out.