Vale Cemetery Collection

Cover Image:
New York Heritage Logo in Greyscale

Collection Facts

Extent:
38
Dates of Original:
1900-1920

Historical Context

Vale Cemetery is a historic, non-sectarian cemetery in Schenectady, New York. It opened on 21 October 1857 as part of the rural cemetery movement and has been in continual operation since. It is the largest cemetery and crematorium in Schenectady County, comprising approximately 100 acres and more than 33,000 burials. The cemetery contains several designated plots, including the First Reformed Church plot, the Union College Plot, and the African American Ancestral Burial Ground. In addition to its purpose as a cemetery, Vale was designed as a park and regularly hosts community events, including tours and the annual Juneteenth celebration.

Scope of Collection

The collection consists of postcards, photos, and documents created as part of the operation of Vale Cemetery.