Living in New York City for a little over a year now, I found there always seems to be a never-ending list of restaurants, shows, museums and parks to experience. I never seem to find the time to take advantage of all the city has to offer. Taking a walk to grab coffee this weekend, I realized there are places I pass every day I don’t take the time to recognize. As I was walking down 2nd street in the East Village, my friend stopped to ask about this fenced-in area with a historic plaque on the front gate.

I was slightly embarrassed, as I walk pass this area on a regular basis; I just have never taken the time to stop and learn more. After reading the plaque and then doing some research on my own, I learned this area is the New York City Marble Cemetery, founded in 1831. In 1830, there was an outbreak of yellow fever, leading N.Y.C. residents to fear burying the deceased in coffins just a few feet below the ground. Because of these concerns, this cemetery was created and they sold underground marble burial vaults.

Today, the cemetery is only open to the public twice a year. Notable burials in the New York City Marble Cemetery include former New York politicians, the founder of Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, a Mayan archealogist and a Civil War general.

While my list of places to see in New York City continues to grow, it’s good to know there a lot of places to experience and learn about right in my own neighborhood.

— Olivia Falcione, advertising manager