Where memory, history and healing converge
By Jessica L. Knouse | Photography by Dave Johnson
“Evergreen was my Wonderland. It was my nature sanctuary,” says Brian Kennell, superintendent of Evergreen Cemetery. “Little did I know, as a child, my favorite spot in Gettysburg would become the place I would spend my entire career.”
For more than 170 years, Evergreen Cemetery has been a place where memory, history and healing converge. Established in 1854, just before the Civil War, the cemetery was part of a national trend known as the rural cemetery movement. Beginning in the 1830s, cities and towns across the Northeast began to design cemeteries as landscaped, park-like grounds. “They were places where people would visit and walk and, back then, even picnic,” he says.
These grounds were meant to be places not just for mourning but also for reflection.
Evergreen soon became more than just a resting place for loved ones who had died. In July 1863, it stood at the very center of the Battle of Gettysburg. The hilltop cemetery and its stone gatehouse, completed in 1855, became landmarks of both combat and commemoration.
The Gatehouse: Symbol & Icon
“The gatehouse was built in 1855 to represent the gates of heaven,” says Brian. “Whenever a funeral came through the archway, it may symbolize going from the life to the afterlife.”
The architect, Stephen Button of Philadelphia, designed it in the Italianate style with urns, wreaths and other funerary ornamentation. It was not just functional; it was symbolic.
After the battle, the gatehouse became one of the most photographed structures in Gettysburg. “It became the most recognized piece of architecture from the battle because all four photography firms took images of it,” Brian notes. “It even appears in some of the photos of November 19, 1863, when Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address.”
The building’s visibility in 19th-century images helped make it iconic as well. “When Ken Burns’ documentary came out, the first image for the Gettysburg section was the gatehouse,” Brian recalls. “It thrust the gatehouse to the people as far as Gettysburg’s most prominent piece of architecture.”
A Family Calling
Brian’s own history is deeply tied to Evergreen. “In the spring of 1976, we wound up moving into what I considered my favorite house in Gettysburg, the Evergreen Cemetery gatehouse. I viewed that as a castle because of its unique structure and archway.”
Brian’s father had become the eighth caretaker in the cemetery’s history.
“My first job was push-mowing around the headstones. I worked after school, in the summers and just kept working through high school years,” Brian says. “By 1991, my dad stepped down, and I was hired to replace him. I’ve lived back at the historic gatehouse ever since.”
Brian has now surpassed three decades as superintendent. “I joke with my friends that I’m on the Cal Ripken streak of Evergreen caretakers,” he says lightheartedly. It’s clear, however, that Brian views his role as a great privilege and wishes to preserve this historic space for future generations.
Women of Gettysburg
Among Evergreen’s most powerful stories is that of Elizabeth Thorn, who served as acting caretaker during the battle. “She was between five to six months pregnant when she buried the first soldiers from the Battle of Gettysburg,” Brian says.
Brian’s father and the previous caretaker, Arthur Kennell, took note of Elizabeth Thorn’s contributions and dreamed of honoring her. “My dad always said there ought to be a monument to the women of Gettysburg, and Elizabeth should represent them. We ran with that concept and established a committee to help raise the funds to erect the Gettysburg Civil War Women’s Memorial, which was dedicated in 2002.”
Placed between the gatehouse and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, the memorial became one of the first in town to recognize women’s contributions. “That was the first monument in Gettysburg to truly honor all the women,” Brian says proudly.
The story inspired further work as well for Brian. “We were able to release [the book]Evergreen: A Gettysburg Tale, about Elizabeth Thorn and her boys here at the cemetery,” explains Brian. “The proceeds will go to help preserve the historic Evergreen Cemetery gatehouse and beautify the cemetery.”
Preserving a Landmark
The gatehouse itself now needs protection. Years of weather and a damaging sandblasting in the 1960s left the brick porous and fragile. “We found over the years that the brick was deteriorating,” Brian says, “and the best way to preserve it was to paint it and return it to a color it once had—rustic red.”
The Gatehouse Preservation Project is a multi-year effort and requires patience for visitors and townspeople to embrace its “new” aesthetic. “It’s going to be a shock to a lot of people because they’ve always seen it in natural brick,” says Brian. “But once people learn that painting is what’s necessary to preserve it, they seem to respect the decision.”
The work is supported by an ongoing capital campaign, which encourages visitors and locals to support the preservation of this beautiful landmark. “The most important thing is that, in any way, people can help,” Brian emphasizes. “If somebody buys a children’s book knowing that the money’s going to help preserve the gatehouse, they can help in that way. Or they can buy a Christmas ornament at one of our upcoming events, or they can donate. Every contribution will help preserve this building far beyond our lifetime.”
Notable Burials
The cemetery is home to a remarkable roster of figures from Gettysburg and beyond. “There’s Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed during the battle. John Burns, the old man who took his rifle and fought alongside the Union soldiers. David Wills, who invited President Lincoln to speak. And David McConaughy, who started battlefield preservation,” Brian shares.
Athletes, entertainers and cultural leaders rest here as well. “Eddie Plank, the Hall of Fame pitcher; Steve Courson of the Steelers; Oscar Shaw, a Broadway star; cartoonist Sam Cobine, who was best friends with Charles Addams; and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Marianne Moore. It’s a unique gathering of history.”
Changing Practices, Enduring Mission
According to Brian, cemeteries must adapt to changing burial traditions. “When my dad took over the cemetery in 1976, it was about five percent cremation burial,” says Brian. “Now, here we are 50 years later and it’s almost reaching 50-50 between cremation and full burial.”
Still, Evergreen is prepared for generations to come. “We probably have another 150 to 200 years of lot availability,” Brian estimates.
For Brian, though, the true mission is not just preserving the space itself; it also provides solace to those who have lost a loved one. “Each time we dig a grave, we’re opening a wound into the earth. When we put the sod on, it’s like covering the wound with a bandage. Over time, the grass meshes with the earth, and just as the ground heals, families begin to heal too. That’s the beauty of the job—seeing people heal.”
Life in the Gatehouse
Living at Evergreen shapes every part of Brian’s life. “It’s often like being a farmer,” he says. “There’s no set hours. I might be working at two in the morning or meeting with a family in the evening. You just have to make yourself available to accommodate those who are grieving.”
Another facet worth noting is that the gatehouse remains one of the rare historic buildings still serving its original function: a caretaker’s residence and office. “The interesting thing is the gatehouse is still used for what its original intent was,” Brian remarks. “There aren’t that many of the big notable buildings in town that still are.”
Community and Continuity
Evergreen is also finding new ways to open its doors to encourage visitors to take a unique glimpse into Gettysburg’s rich history. “We’re trying to be more inclusive with the gatehouse,” Brian explains. “We’re going to have an open house like The Art of Evergreen during Remembrance Day and then an Evergreen Christmas the weekend of the Christmas Festival.”
The events include displays of artwork, prints, children’s book illustrations and ornaments—all with proceeds supporting preservation. “‘Evergreen’ is such an appropriate name to have associated with a Christmas event,” reflects Brian. “We’ll be selling images, prints, ornaments and books to help with the preservation of the gatehouse.”
A Legacy Rooted in Memory
For Brian Kennell, Evergreen is both past and future, history and healing. It is the bluebirds his father introduced to the grounds in the 1980s. It is Elizabeth Thorn’s labor of compassion. It is the rustic red gatehouse, preserved for the next century. And it is the countless families who come to remember their loved ones.
“Seeing people heal and come to terms with loss is the most rewarding part of my job,” shares Brian. “I feel like the luckiest guy in town to live in such a historic place and to be able to help families through difficult times.”
And it is a mission that continues. “Every contribution, every purchase, every effort will help preserve Evergreen from the ground up,” Brian concludes. “We want to make sure that future generations can walk these grounds, learn from its history and find healing here—just as I did as a child.”
Memorable Moments in Evergreen Cemetery History
1854 – Evergreen Cemetery founded as part of the rural cemetery movement; designed to be a park-like, reflective space
1855 – Gatehouse completed. Architect Stephen Button of Philadelphia designs the Italianate-style building to symbolize the “gates of heaven.”
July 1863 – Battle of Gettysburg. Evergreen becomes a center of fighting on Cemetery Hill. Elizabeth Thorn, pregnant and acting as caretaker, buries soldiers after the battle.
November 19, 1863 – Gettysburg Address. Photographs of the dedication ceremonies include the gatehouse in the background, making it an iconic landmark.
1870s – 1900s – Evergreen grows as a community burial ground for Gettysburg’s citizens, leaders and veterans.
1920 – 1974 – Kitzmiller family caretakers. Father-and-son team Sandow and Howard Kitzmiller serve more than 50 years.
1976 – The Kennell family takes over. Arthur Kennell becomes the eighth caretaker; his son, Brian, begins working at Evergreen as a teenager.
1991 – Brian Kennell becomes superintendent. He moves into the gatehouse permanently and begins chronicling Evergreen’s history.
2000 – Book published. Kennell releases Beyond the Gatehouse, documenting Evergreen’s people and stories.
Find out more about preserving Evergreen Cemetery, its capital campaign and future events on the website: www.evergreencemetery.org.
