Ever wandered through a cemetery and wished you could hear the stories hidden beneath the headstones? That’s exactly the experience Hillside Cemetery, Middletown, New York: Beyond the Graves by JoEllen Hundeland offers.

I had planned to share a cemetery recipe post this week, but I didn’t get a chance to do any baking. So instead, I’m switching things up with a cemetery book review. This little book blends history, photography, and storytelling, taking you into one of New York’s most historic cemeteries and introducing the people who shaped the community.

Hillside Cemetery was established in 1861, right in the middle of the Civil War.¹ Spread across more than 50 acres in the Hudson Valley, it was designed as a rural cemetery, a place where the living could visit, reflect, and honour the dead.¹ Hundeland’s book captures the cemetery’s charm and history, highlighting its large obelisks, mausoleums, and winged angels that watch over the graves. The book explores the stories of some of Middletown’s early settlers, war heroes, and influential families, showing how their lives shaped the area.

Here is the book synopsis, from Goodreads:

“Established in 1861 during the Civil War, Hillside Cemetery in Middletown, New York, is bountiful in history, art, and unique beauty. Nestled on over 50 acres in the Hudson Valley, Hillside is both peaceful and charming. Originally, it was designed as a “rural” cemetery where the living could come to grieve and honor their dead in their eternal slumber. 160 years later, Hillside continues to be a place of remembrance and solitude, but it has evolved into so much more. Moving away from the traditional churchyards and family cemeteries, Hillside welcomed all. The grand obelisks, prominent mausoleums, and the towering, winged angels pointing to the heavens continue to honor Middletown’s former residents, many who were pillars of their community almost two centuries ago. Buried here are some of the area’s first settlers, war heroes, industry pioneers, influential families, and countless others who left vital contributions in their passing. Middletown has a colorful history, and Hillside reflects this. Under these headstones lie people who lived lives filled with heroism, determination, tragedy, and triumph, just like us. Within the gates of idyllic Hillside Cemetery, the dead have stories to tell, and their legacies live on beyond the grave.”

Hundeland is originally from Orange County, New York, and developed an interest in local history at an early age.² With family and friends rooted in Middletown, she became especially drawn to Hillside Cemetery.² She later combined this love for history with her passion for photography, which shines through in the book.²

This book is part of the Buried America series by America Through Time. Other authors in the series include Tui Snider and Jane Hopkins, whom some of you may recognize from other cemetery-related books I’ve reviewed on the blog. This series focuses on historic cemeteries across the United States, uncovering the stories of those laid to rest and their cultural and historical significance.

I really enjoyed Hundeland’s photography. Her style reminded me of my own approach to cemetery photography. The book is short and easy to read, which makes it approachable even for someone just browsing for inspiration or history. I did feel like the layout could be improved a little bit. A lot of the text appears first, with the photos coming afterward. The layout might flow better if the graves of the families mentioned appear directly after their stories. Despite this, the book still succeeds at showing what makes Hillside Cemetery unique and historically important.

If you enjoy learning about local history, exploring cemeteries, or simply appreciating beautiful photography, this book is worth a look. It’s a light read that offers both stories and visuals. This makes it a great addition to any cemetery lover’s collection or for anyone interested in historic cemeteries in the United States. After reading this one, I’m definitely looking forward to picking up more books from the Buried America series.

Next week, I’m planning to make up for the missed baking and share a new cemetery recipe, so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading! 

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I am always on the hunt for cemetery-related book recommendations. If you are an author and have a cemetery-related book you would like me to review, please reach out at hello@chantallarochelle.ca. I would love to hear from you!

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References:

1. Hillside Cemetery, Middletown, New York: Beyond the Graves by JoEllen Hundeland | Goodreads
2. JoEllen Hundeland biography | America Through Time