Winchester Mystery House Centennial Speaker Series: Dale Fiore

Explore Sarah’s final resting place in New Haven Cemetery with Dale Fiore for September’s Centennial Speaker Series.

Centennial Speaker Series Topic: Evergreen Cemetery with Dale Fiore

Evergreen Cemetery was established in 1848 and is 85 acres of property. They host around 450 burials a year. In addition, it is the largest crematorium on the east coast. Dale began his own career with Evergreen in 1985, then later took over as the super intendant in 1994. New Haven was a town of innovation and invention and the cemetery was no exception. Every 50 years, the cemetery undergoes development. For example, the chapel was introduced in 1902 as an alternative to families without a parlor. In 1956, the crematory was built. Then, a new administrative office was made in 1999. A columbarium was introduced in 2013. Most recently, a crematory addition was completed in 2021.

Sarah Winchester’s Final Resting Place

As mentioned earlier, Sarah’s body still resides here alongside her husband, William and daughter, Annie. Sadly, Annie’s cross went missing suddenly and Dale proposed to have it replaced. Also on the family plot rests Oliver Winchester and his wife, Jane Ellen Hope. Also on the property are both Sarah’s maternal (Pardee) and paternal (Lockwood) family plots.

Additionally, in 2022, a memorial event was held at Sarah’s plot. The gravesite was festooned with flowers and a wreath was delivered to her gravesite by horse-drawn carriage. In addition, trees that Sarah picked for La Llanda Villa were planted around the cemetery. Afterwards, a presentation was held by Oliver Winchester’s great great great granddaughter as the carriage met it’s destination.

Editor’s Note – 9/29/2025: In May 2025, the Winchester Mystery House board donated a headstone to recognize Isabel’s (Sarah’s sister) resting place.

My Takeaway from the Centennial Speaker Series with Dale Fiore

My speaker sidekicks were not as impressed by this talk as I was. After that, I knew I had to add Evergreen Cemetery to my bucket list of places to visit. I would love to pay tribute to Sarah at her resting place as she has been such an inspiration for me since I wandered her home’s halls for the first time in 2020.

Craving More regarding the Evergreen Cemetery?

Dale Fiore is the General Manager of Evergreen Cemetery and history buff. He adores his work with the cemetery and is happy to connect with you on anything you want to know about the property. He says visitors are happily welcome to view the historic plots and is open to discussing your options for burial on the grounds too.

What else can be discovered beyond the Centennial Speaker Series at Winchester Mystery House?

Below you will find other posts I’ve written regarding the Winchester Mystery House’s assorted experiences and educational programs. At Llanda Villa, there is always something new to learn! More often than not, I like to think myself one of the first in line to attend.