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
