Woodlawn Cemetery completes first restoration of Samuel Untermyer family tomb

Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy will unveil the restored Samuel Untermyer family tomb in the Bronx on Oct. 3, marking the first restoration of the 1920s-era monument since it was built. The project spotlights a major preservation effort tied to one of Woodlawn’s most distinctive mausoleums and to the legacy of Samuel Untermyer’s garden restoration work in Yonkers.

Why it matters: - The restoration marks a preservation milestone for Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy. - The project renews attention on one of the cemetery’s most distinctive monuments. - The restored tomb adds to the preservation of a major historic site in the Bronx. - The work echoes the revitalization of Untermyer Gardens in Yonkers, another Samuel Untermyer landmark.

What happened: - Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy will soon unveil the completed restoration of the Samuel Untermyer family tomb in the Bronx. - The monument has been restored for the first time since its creation in the 1920s. - The unveiling is set for a commemorative dedication on Oct. 3, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery. - The mausoleum was designed by architect Paul Chalfin, known for his work at Vizcaya in Miami. - The tomb features sculpture by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The details: - The project involved Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Frank Irwin Untermyer and his son, preservationist Adrian Untermyer. - Christopher Jeannopoulos, president and CEO of Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy, said the organization was pleased to work with the Untermyer family on the restoration. - Jeannopoulos said the monument is one of the largest lots at Woodlawn Cemetery. - Jeannopoulos said the site’s sculpture and landscape have been restored. - Adrian Untermyer said the tomb now “shines like new again” after a multi-year restoration. - Adrian Untermyer said the restored space is expected to uplift and inspire people in the Bronx. - The cemetery said the restoration brings new attention to the site’s sculpture and landscape.

Between the lines: - The restoration ties a private family monument to broader preservation and public-history efforts at Woodlawn. - The use of prominent architectural and sculptural names underscores the artistic value of the tomb beyond its family significance. - The project also reinforces Woodlawn’s identity as a historic cemetery with conservation, education and preservation programs.

What's next: - Woodlawn Cemetery will formally dedicate the restored tomb on Oct. 3. - The site is expected to be part of future visitor and preservation attention at the cemetery. - Media inquiries, interviews and tours are being handled through Sarah Arbogast, PR director, at sarah@thecorcorancollective.com.

The bottom line: - Woodlawn has completed a first-ever restoration of a major historic tomb, turning a private monument into a new preservation showcase for the Bronx.