Oakland Cemetery columbarium niches already 60% sold

Historic Oakland Cemetery has unveiled its first new interment option in more than 140 years.

The Columbarium at Oakland Cemetery will offer niches for cremated remains, designed in 19th-century architecture to match the other Victorian monuments in the 175-year-old burial ground.

The columbarium will be located between East Hill and the historic African American Burial Grounds, transforming an unused roadway into a new memorial garden. The niches are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Since sales began on Sept. 3, more than 60% of the available niches have already been reserved, with fewer than 100 niches remaining.

Columbarium construction will begin in the spring 2026, with completion estimated later in the fall. Proceeds from the sales will help fund cemetery improvement