About Us

Established in 1879, the Prospect Cemetery Association of Jamaica Village advocates for Prospect Cemetery and the Chapel of the Sisters. The property, now owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, contains approximately 240 family plots spread across the four-acre property that was founded by the village of Jamaica sometime prior to 1668. The cemetery holds graves of many soldiers from the Revolutionary War. Prospect Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Queens, and one of the oldest burial grounds in the five boroughs. It was designated as an individual city landmark in 1977 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

Mission

To hold and maintain lands and buildings known as Prospect Cemetery for use as a place of burial for the dead through such activities as preserving the Cemetery and the Chapel of the Sisters; fostering knowledge of the historic heritage of Jamaica, Queens; and cooperating with other organizations with respect to achieving these goals and activities.

Directions

Grounds are accessible by appointment only. Please reach out to prospectcemeteryassociation@gmail.com with any inquiries.

From Grand Central Terminal, take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station. Take the E or J trains from Sutphin Blvd-Archer Ave-JFK Airport one stop towards Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer Ave. Exit via Parsons Blvd & Archer Ave at the northeast corner, head east on Archer Ave and turn right onto 159th Street (closed to vehicular traffic). The cemetery is located on the right directly across from York College.  Alternative is to take the Q24 bus three stops to Archer Ave/160 Street. Head southeast on 160th Street toward Archer Ave. Turn right onto Archer Ave. Turn left onto 159th Street and the cemetery will be located on the right.