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Harmony Cemetery

The first burial place of the Harmonist Society, a utopian community for which the surrounding town of Harmony is named.

Zelienople, Pennsylvania

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Melodia
The closed gate at Harmony Cemetery   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
The open gate   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
An English translation of J. Rapp’s gravestone   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
Visitor information just outside the cemetery   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
Harmony Society Cemetery informational sign   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
A peek over the wall   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
The gravestone of Johannes Rapp   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
Informational sign outside cemetery   Melodia / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Harmony Society, a utopian community whose members believed the second coming of Christ would happen in their lifetimes, used this burying ground from 1803 to 1815. More than 100 Harmonists were buried at this site, but only one marker is easily located — that of Johannes Rapp, son of society founder George Rapp. As for the others, some historians conclude that the Harmonists believed their recognition would be found in heaven, so their graves in Pennsylvania did not need to be marked.

The Society eventually moved to Old Economy Village in nearby Beaver County, where a second Harmonist cemetery became the burial place for 594 members of the community. In 1869, after the society's move, the stone wall at the original cemetery and unusual pivoting stone gate were added.

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Burial Places Societies Cemeteries

Know Before You Go

Google maps directions will bring you to the bottom of the cemetery, while the gate is at the top. There is a gravel drive and parking area, but both belong to the neighboring dental practice, so be respectful. 

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Melodia

Published

May 6, 2025

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