Salem Fields is the final resting place for many of the prominent German-Jewish families of New York City. Among those laid to rest in the cemetery are members of the Fox family, founders of
20th Century Fox Film Corp.; the
Guggenheim family, who were involved in mining, newspapers, and
Guggenheim museums; the
Lewisohn family, who were involved in mining, banking, and philanthropy; and the
Shubert family, which led a large theatrical empire.
Architectural historian Fredric Bedoire, Professor at the Royal University of Fine Arts in Stockholm, compared the "beautiful" Salem Fields to the architecturally notable mausoleums and undulating landscape of
Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.[1] Architect
Henry Beaumont Herts designed the Guggenheim family mausoleum, modeled after the
Tower of the Winds at Athens. The entrance of Salem Fields was designed by
Henry Fernbach, the architect of
Central Synagogue.[1]
Salem Fields is part of a larger complex of cemeteries spanning into the borough of
Queens, including likewise Jewish
Machpelah Cemetery, where
Harry Houdini is buried; Union Field Cemetery; Mount Judah Cemetery, where several prominent Rabbis lie; Mount Carmel Cemetery; and the non-denominational
Cypress Hills Cemetery and
Cemetery of the Evergreens.
Notable burials
Raphael Benjamin (1846–1906), British-born Australian and American rabbi
Leo C. Dessar (1847–1924), lawyer, politician, and judge