Burns Park in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan's First Jewish Cemetery
Photographed By Joel Seewald, December 12, 2018
1. Michigan's First Jewish Cemetery Marker
At this site the first Jewish cemetery in Michigan was established in 1848-49. The Jews Society of Ann Arbor acquired burial rights to this land adjacent to what was then the public cemetery. Several years earlier, immigrants from Germany and Austria had organized the first Jewish community in the state. Their first religious services were held in the homes of the five Weil brothers in the vicinity of the family tannery, J. Weil and Brothers. Members of the Jewish community participated in all aspects of the city's life. Jacob Weil served Ann Arbor as alderman from 1859 to 1861. By the 1880s this original Jewish community no longer existed. In 1900 the remains of those buried here were reinterred in Ann Arbor's Forest Hill Cemetery.
Erected 1983 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Department of State, Beth Israel Congregation, and the Jewish Historical Society of Michigan. (Marker Number L1037.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 42° 16.87′ N, 83° 44.241′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Burns Park.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Governor Alpheus Felch (within shouting distance of this marker); Rackham School of Graduate Studies (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carnegie Library (about 700 feet away); Michigan League (about 700 feet away); The University of Michigan Men's Glee Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ann Arbor High School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Schools and Churches (approx. 0.2 miles away); First University Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.
Also see . . . New historic marker placed at site of state's first Jewish cemetery. Article in December 6, 2011 University of Michigan Record about replacing the historical marker because of damage to the original marker. (Submitted on December 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, December 12, 2018
2. Michigan's First Jewish Cemetery Marker
This marker is mounted on the ground on the corner. The building behind the marker is the Rackham School of Graduate Studies at the University of Michigan.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 234 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
