Resources

Genealogy Requests

The records of Crown Hill can provide much sought-after information for those researching their family tree. Basic searches are $5 each and must be submitted by filling out our Genealogy Request Form [PDF]. Please follow the instructions on the form for the ways to submit it. If you have questions regarding genealogy, please send an email to genealogy@crownhill.org. Please note that our genealogist is in the office one day a week, so please be patient if you don’t receive an immediate response. For further genealogy information, visit the website of the Genealogical Society of Marion County (Indianapolis).

Gothic Chapel Rental For Wedding Ceremonies

Gothic Chapel Wedding Ceremony Rental Information (PDF) – Weddings in the Gothic Chapel are arranged through the Crown Hill Heritage Foundation. (If you’re interested in renting the chapel for funerals and memorial services, please contact the Funeral Home Office at 317-925-3800.) Click on the link to download the PDF information sheet for weddings at Crown Hill. In brief, the Gothic Chapel is available for rental for weddings on Saturday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. The chapel in unavailable for wedding rental on all major holidays as well as Halloween, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and most weekends in October.

Books!

Crown Hill’s Award-Winning 150th Anniversary Book CROWN HILL: History, Spirit, Sanctuary is a beautiful 380-page coffee table book which tells the story of our nation’s third largest non-government cemetery from its founding in 1863 (during the Civil War) until today. We’re very proud that CROWN HILL: History, Spirit, Sanctuary was chosen as the SILVER AWARD WINNER for Foreward Review’s prestigious national IndieFab “BOOK OF THE YEAR” in the Regional Category!

In this very popular book, authors Douglas Wissing, Marianne Tobias, Rebecca Dolan, and Anne Ryder cover many topics including extensive history, personal and poignant stories, natural history, and numerous vignettes of individuals and families who rest within its historic Gothic gates. It features over 600 beautiful, full-color photographs by Marty N. Davis and Richard Fields, including a number of aerial photos of Crown Hill that will capture your attention as they allow you to see Crown Hill as you’ve never seen it before! Author Douglas Wissing beautifully weaves together 150 years of Crown Hill history with local and state history, creating the context which allowed Crown Hill to become the “City on the Hill” – the final resting place of many of our pioneers, civic leaders, politicians, musicians, actors, artists, automotive manufacturers and Indianapolis 500 notable people, military and public safety heroes, and countless others.

CROWN HILL: History, Spirit, Sanctuary is 11″x11″, hardbound, and weighs approx. 5.5 lbs., and is available for purchase at the Crown Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery office, Monday-Saturday, from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. (The address is 700 W. 38th St., which is the corner of 38th St. and Clarendon Rd.) It may also be ordered by mail by using this downloadable Order form. The total cost is $40 per book, or $50 if mailed, including the shipping and handling fee of $10 per book. For more information, please contact Marianne Randjelovic at development@crownhill.org or call (317) 920-4165.

Crown Hill History Book (Soft Cover)

You can order or pick it up at the office our $5 history book featuring Crown Hill History as well as photos, diagrams, and biographical info for many Crown Hill notable people. Also included are self-guided walking tours. This is an 8.5″ x 11″ soft-cover book. If you pick it up at the office it’s $5; if you want it mailed to you it’ll be $7.50 with postage and handling. Feel free to download the History Book Order Form [PDF]. If you’d like to order it by phone with a credit card, please please contact Marianne Randjelovic at development@crownhill.org or call (317) 920-4165.

1896 Crown Hill History Book Online

You can view an 1896 history book about Crown Hill online. It includes black & white photographs, lists of Cemetery Officers beginning in 1863, lists of Cemetery Corporators, Articles of Association, 1896 Rules and Regulations, and a list of Lot Owners from 1863-1896. Click here to view it online.

Smithsonian Art Inventories Catalog of Crown Hill sculptures, monuments, etc.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources – cemetery-related information, including symbolism, restoration, genealogy links, etc.
The Cultural Landscape Foundation – read about Crown Hill. Cultural Landscapes “provide a sense of place and identity; they map our relationship with the land over time, and they are part of our national heritage and each of our lives.”