Hundreds of graves at Old First Cemetery dating to the 17th century were desecrated for what is now Newark’s hockey arena.

Map of Downtown Newark in 1873 vs. 2016

January 1959
Old First Cemetery looking NW from far rear

July 1961
Park lot graveyard Old First Ch. looking NW from Central Railroad Depot

March 1962
Park lot rear Old First church, formerly graveyard

The same location today
The cemetery is now beneath the playing field of the Hockey Arena

The same location today

The same location today
A change in urban form and urban scale

Old First Cemetery looking SW from Central RR Depot

Old First Cemetery showing a mound at SW corner

Old First Cemetery showing steps to be excavated, a mound at SW corner

Old First Cemetery looking NW from Central RR Depot