Our History

The National Capital Hebrew Cemetery was organized in the District of Columbia, and opened in 1910. The Cemetery Association was composed of various small synagogues, lodges and other fraternal organizations, reflective of the immigration of Eastern European Jews to the Washington area. Each organization reserved a portion of the cemetery grounds for burial of their members, and contributed to the organization based on the size of their portion. As the Washington Jewish Community grew, so did the cemetery. 

In the mid 1930's, a second section was added to the cemetery. Because the cemetery grounds were right on the border of Washington, DC and Maryland, the new section was actually in Maryland, giving the cemetery the rather unique status of being in two jurisdictions! 

The Washington Jewish community grew exponentially during the 1940's and 1950's. In 1961, the cemetery added a house on the grounds, which featured living space for a caretaker, and storage facilities for equipment. 

The 1960's brought a period of great turbulence and upheaval. The neighborhood around the cemetery began to decline. And after the riots of 1968, most of the Jewish community began to leave the city and settle in the ever-expanding suburbs. Many of the organizations that had formed the backbone of the cemetery association began to disappear. The rise of more accessible, suburban cemetery choices resulted in fewer burials in the cemetery. 

Over the past 40 years, the cemetery has suffered from this decline, and the neglect that has come with it. In addition only 

three organizations are still in existence, and many of the families who have loved ones buried there, have simply disappeared. 

In the past two years, our new management has been able to reverse much of the conditions that have plagued the cemetery 

for many years. But much work remains to be done. 

Currently, out of the 2,750 graves in the cemetery, over 1,000 have no organizational or family support. We are taking care of all 

of them. We will keep working at this, and do all we can so that the cemetery is maintained in a dignified and respectful manner. 

The more funding we receive, the more we can do. We look forward to your help!