Mount Hope Cemetery in Lambertville, New Jersey was established in 1800 and incorporated in 1848. This 10-acre site is one of the largest and oldest cemeteries in western-central New Jersey.

Although Mount Hope Cemetery is still operated by the original corporation that was created by an act of the New Jersey State Legislature in 1848, the cemetery essentially went out of business in the late 1960s due to a lack of funds. During this time, the cemetery entered a period of decline, becoming overgrown and a haven for vandals.

But as Lambertville itself has gone through a revival in the past two decades, so too has Mount Hope Cemetery. A group of residents in the Mount Hope neighborhood came to realize that this historic property should be a community asset rather than an eyesore, so they banded together as volunteers to restore the site to its former park-like condition.

Today, the cemetery is cared for by the newly-revived Mount Hope Cemetery Association, a non-profit organization governed by local residents and neighbors of the site. A group of dedicated volunteers meets monthly to see to the needs of the property and continue its restoration.

For those who are interested in visiting Mount Hope Cemetery, the property is located just a short walking distance from downtown Lambertville, with its many restaurants, antique shops and other cultural attractions. Further information about Mount Hope Cemetery can be obtained by calling 609-397-5675, or at www.mounthopecemetery.com. Further information about Lambertville can be obtained at www.lambertville.org.