PA Historic Places

Exploring the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County

A collage of four photos showcasing the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, known for its role in the 1967 movie "Night of the Living Dead." The top left image shows the entrance sign for the cemetery, engraved with its name and incorporation date. The top right image captures a still from the film with two characters kneeling near a gravestone. The bottom left photo features a historical marker in downtown Evans City, commemorating the town's significance as the filming location for "Night of the Living Dead." The bottom right image presents a modern recreation of a scene from the movie, with a visitor posing near the Blair gravestone, replicating the film's iconic moment. This collage highlights the cemetery's enduring legacy as a landmark in horror cinema history.

If you’re looking for information about visiting the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, (AKA the “Night of the Living Dead Cemetery”), you’re in the right place!

A large granite sign at the entrance of the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, engraved with the cemetery's name and the date of its incorporation, January 7, 1891. The sign features decorative carvings on both sides, adding an ornamental touch to the otherwise simple monument. The sign is set against a backdrop of trees with autumn leaves scattered on the ground, creating a natural and tranquil setting. This cemetery is renowned as a filming location for scenes from the classic horror movie "Night of the Living Dead," making it a notable spot for film enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Evans City Cemetery holds a special place in horror movie history as the iconic location for the opening scenes of George Romero’s groundbreaking film, “Night of the Living Dead.”

A comparison image showing a present-day view of the entrance road to the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, alongside a classic scene from the 1967 movie "Night of the Living Dead." The top half features a modern pickup truck parked near the Evans City Cemetery sign, with a winding road and dense forest in the background, resembling the setting used in the film. The bottom half shows the original black-and-white scene from the movie, with a vintage car driving past a sign that reads "Cemetery Entrance," capturing the moment when the characters arrive at the cemetery. The similarity between the two scenes highlights how this iconic location has remained largely unchanged over the years, retaining its connection to the famous horror film.

Released in 1968, this low-budget masterpiece redefined the zombie genre and cemented its status as one of the most influential horror films of all time.

An informational plaque in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania, detailing the creation of the classic film "Night of the Living Dead." The text explains how, in 1967, a group of Pittsburgh-based filmmakers led by George A. Romero ventured into making a feature-length motion picture using their own funds and equipment. They chose Evans City as the filming location for their low-budget "Monster Flick," which would later become one of the most iconic horror films of all time. The plaque also notes the film's critical reception and subsequent recognition as a classic of the horror genre. A black-and-white photo accompanies the text, showing actress Judith O'Dea, director George A. Romero, and sound technician Gary Streiner working on set, capturing the behind-the-scenes process of this groundbreaking film. The display is set against a grassy area with fallen leaves, connecting it to the town's historical role in the movie's production.

Fans of the genre still flock to this cemetery today, not only to honor the film but to walk in the footsteps of the actors who brought Romero’s terrifying vision to life.

A comparison image showing a present-day view of the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, alongside a black-and-white scene from the 1967 movie "Night of the Living Dead." The top half displays a modern visitor standing among the gravestones, with the well-trimmed trees and monuments reflecting the unchanged landscape of the cemetery. The bottom half features an iconic moment from the film, where a suited character walks through the same section of the cemetery, capturing the eerie atmosphere that made the location famous. The similarity between the two images emphasizes the timeless and haunting quality of this historic filming site.

Directions & Hours

The Evans City Cemetery is located off of Franklin Road, just south of Evans City.

The grave markers that appear in the film are all located in the area to the right of the “G” on the cemetery map below.

A sign displaying a map of the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by dense green foliage. The sign includes cemetery rules such as hours of operation from dawn to dusk, a contact number for lot information, and guidelines prohibiting illegal dumping, hunting, off-road vehicles, and requiring monument companies to call before digging. The map layout highlights different sections, paths, and notable areas such as the Military Circle and the chapel, providing visitors with an organized guide to the cemetery, which is famous for being featured in the movie "Night of the Living Dead."

The cemetery is open to visitors from dawn until dusk.

A gravestone marked "Kriess" stands prominently in the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, with a small American flag placed next to it. The background features a picturesque view of rolling hills, lush green trees, and a distant town under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This location is famous for being part of the filming sites of the classic horror movie "Night of the Living Dead," adding a layer of cinematic history to the tranquil setting. Bright orange flowers and a simple white border fence surround the gravesite, enhancing the scene's quiet beauty.

What You’ll See at the Evans City Cemetery

As you explore the cemetery, you’ll find several grave markers that gained fame in the movie.

The gravestone of Nicholas Kramer at the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, featuring detailed carvings and an inscription showing his birth date of February 18, 1842, and death date of March 17, 1917. The monument has a distinctive peaked top and intricate floral designs near the upper section, adding to its historic appearance. This particular gravestone is well-known among fans of the horror film "Night of the Living Dead," as it appears prominently in the movie's opening scene. The lush greenery and tree-lined background enhance the gravestone's solemn and atmospheric setting, making it a memorable and iconic part of this cemetery's landscape.

One of the most well-known is the gravestone of Nicholas Kramer, a Civil War veteran who lived in Evans City after the war, and it’s near this very spot that one of the most iconic lines in horror cinema – “They’re coming to get you, Barbra” – was delivered.

A side-by-side comparison image showing a modern recreation of a scene from "Night of the Living Dead" at the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The left half features a present-day visitor posing next to the gravestone of Nicholas Kramer, imitating the iconic moment from the film. The right half shows actress Judith O'Dea in the original 1967 movie scene, gripping the same gravestone with a look of fear on her face. Both images highlight the unchanged appearance of the monument, emphasizing the cemetery's enduring connection to this classic horror film.

Just steps away is the grave of George and Grace Cole, the site where characters Barbra and her brother Johnny were visiting when they first encountered the undead.

A comparison image showing a current view of the Blair monument at Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, alongside a classic scene from the 1967 film "Night of the Living Dead." The top half features a modern-day visitor standing by the Blair gravestone, recreating the iconic moment from the movie. The bottom half shows an original black-and-white shot from the film, with actress Judith O'Dea kneeling near the same gravestone as part of the film's memorable opening sequence. Both images highlight the unchanged appearance of the cemetery over the years, emphasizing its historical and cinematic significance.

Although this tombstone’s front isn’t visible in the movie, it serves as a key backdrop in the film’s opening moments.

A row of gravestones at the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, with the prominent Blair monument in the foreground. The cemetery road winds through the scene, and the surrounding area is lush with trees showing early autumn colors. The location is well-known for its appearance in the film "Night of the Living Dead," adding to its historic and cinematic significance.

Additionally, the Evans City Cemetery chapel makes a brief appearance in the film.

A comparison image showing a present-day view of the Evans City Cemetery chapel in Butler County, Pennsylvania, alongside a scene from the 1967 movie "Night of the Living Dead." The top half features a modern visitor standing near a pickup truck parked in front of the chapel, with the structure's distinctive stonework and white trim clearly visible. The bottom half shows a black-and-white shot from the movie, with characters in the same location, emphasizing the chapel's unchanged appearance. This side-by-side comparison captures the timelessness of this iconic film location and its enduring connection to the classic horror film.

Threatened with demolition in 2011, fans rallied to raise $50,000 to restore the chapel, ensuring that this piece of movie history remains intact.

The small chapel at the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, features a classic, stone façade with light-colored brick columns and a white triangular pediment. Its arched window above the double doors adds an elegant touch to the simple yet charming structure. Surrounded by lush green trees and foliage, the chapel is a significant landmark for fans of the movie "Night of the Living Dead," as it appeared in some scenes of this iconic film. The well-maintained pathway leading to the entrance and the landscaping in front of the chapel create an inviting and serene atmosphere in this historic cemetery setting.

The chapel was officially reopened in 2014 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by George Romero himself, a fitting tribute to his cinematic legacy.

An informational plaque in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania, detailing the significance of the movie "Night of the Living Dead" and its induction into the National Film Registry in 1999 for being a "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" part of American cinema. The plaque explains how budgetary limitations led the filmmakers to use the rural Pennsylvania countryside, captured in stark black-and-white imagery, bringing the film's terrifying premise into the viewers' own backyard. A black-and-white photo from the film is also displayed, showing a scene at the Evans City Cemetery chapel, an iconic location featured in the movie. The surrounding area includes grass and fallen leaves, further connecting this display to the history of the landmark horror film.

Exploring Downtown Evans City

After visiting the cemetery, take the 5 minute drive to downtown Evans City, where you’ll find a small shrine next to the library that celebrates the towns connection to the “Night of the Living Dead.”

A roadside view at the entrance to the Borough of Evans City in Butler County, Pennsylvania, featuring a blue and white sign indicating the town's name and a speed limit sign set at 35 mph. The road curves gently to the left, leading toward a distant barn and vehicles, surrounded by dense greenery and hills in the background. The overcast sky and the lush foliage create a serene, rural atmosphere, adding to the town's charm, which is well-known for its connection to the classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead," filmed in the area.

Here, you’ll find an official historical marker, as well as several plaques providing insights into the making of the movie and its significance to the horror genre.

A black sign in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania, commemorating the town's role as the central filming location for the iconic horror movie "Night of the Living Dead." The sign reads, "Evans City - Home to Night of the Living Dead" and mentions that the film was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1999. The sign is mounted on two metal posts and surrounded by small informational plaques, providing additional details about the movie. The setting includes a tree with green leaves overhead and a brick building, a white fence, and a parked vehicle in the background, emphasizing the small-town charm of Evans City and its connection to this classic piece of horror cinema.

Be sure to check out the Night of the Living Dead mural located next to the Evans City police station, which serves as another reminder of the film’s local legacy.

A mural depicting scenes from the classic horror movie "Night of the Living Dead" painted on the side of a building in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania. The artwork features iconic imagery from the film, including a spooky house, a trolley, and one of the movie's eerie zombies, along with the bold red text "Night of the Living Dead" and the words "George A. Romero's Classic." In the background, a police car labeled "Evans City Police" is parked nearby, reinforcing the mural's location in the town where the film was made. The setting includes a lamp post, a hose reel, and other small details, adding to the authentic, small-town atmosphere of Evans City, a location with deep ties to this influential horror film.

Final Thoughts

The Evans City Cemetery is a must-visit destination for horror enthusiasts and film buffs alike.

A bright red pickup truck parked next to the entrance sign of the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The granite sign displays the cemetery's name and its incorporation date, January 7, 1891, and is surrounded by a lush forest with trees showing early autumn colors. The scene captures the peaceful wooded environment of the cemetery, which is famous for being a filming location for the classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead." The contrast between the vibrant red truck and the natural green and earthy tones of the surroundings adds a dynamic element to the image.

However, it’s important to remember that this is an active, historic cemetery, so visitors should always be respectful of the grounds and the people who are laid to rest there.

A section of the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County, Pennsylvania, featuring an impressive assortment of gravestones and monuments, with a prominent pink granite tombstone marked "Miller" in the foreground. The Miller monument is topped with a large spherical stone, making it a striking centerpiece among the surrounding graves. In the background, several other tall monuments, including an obelisk, are visible, set against a backdrop of large, mature trees and rolling hills. The sky is overcast, adding a somber yet tranquil ambiance to this cemetery, which is renowned for its role in the classic horror movie "Night of the Living Dead." The lush green grass and orderly arrangement of headstones contribute to the historic and cinematic atmosphere of the site.

Taking care to honor both the film’s legacy and the cemetery’s history ensures that this iconic location can continue to be enjoyed by fans for years to come.

An informational plaque in Evans City, Butler County, Pennsylvania, highlighting the community's involvement in the making of the classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead." The text explains how local residents, including Phillip and Ella Mae Smith, Randy Burr, and Dick Heckard, were cast in the movie, contributing to its authentic, regional flavor. The plaque emphasizes the film's "direct cinema" approach, which used ordinary neighbors, Pittsburgh police officers, and professional announcers to create a heightened sense of realism. A black-and-white image from the film is featured, showing a group of the iconic zombies walking through a rural landscape, a scene that helped define the modern zombie genre. The surrounding grass and fallen leaves connect this display to the real-life location where the film was made.

The Living Dead Museum pays tribute to Pittsburgh filmmaker George Romero and the series of zombie movies he created, starting with the horror classic Night of the Living Dead in 1967.

Featuring movie props and memorabilia as well as numerous interpretive exhibits, the museum is not merely a repository of relics, but a journey through the evolution of horror film history itself.

The Living Dead Museum is located in the Monroeville Mall, 12 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh.

An extensive biography display of filmmaker George A. Romero at the Living Dead Museum. The exhibit features a large black and white panel with a smiling portrait of Romero wearing his signature glasses. The text, divided into sections detailing his 'Early Life', 'Night of the Living Dead (1967 - 1968)', and 'The 1970s / Early 1980s', chronicles significant events and milestones in his career. Each section provides a narrative on his contributions to the film industry, the challenges he faced, and the impact of his work on the horror genre. The text is white on a dark background, ensuring readability and focus on the content.

6 Must-See Attractions in Butler County is your guide to even more things to see and do near the Evans City Cemetery.

This collage features four distinct images from Butler County, Pennsylvania: Top left: A tranquil lakeside scene with a picnic bench under the shade of green trees, overlooking calm waters with hills in the distance. Top right: A whimsical outdoor sculpture resembling a classic UFO, placed on a lawn in front of a row of local businesses including the Grand Avenue Salon and China House. Bottom left: An angular, futuristic-looking building with metallic panels, suggesting an avant-garde architectural style, under a cloudy sky. Bottom right: An intricately carved white statue of a deity flanked by two large, ornate dragon sculptures, displayed in a museum or gallery with informative placards. Each photo represents a unique aspect of the cultural and aesthetic diversity found in Butler County, from natural beauty and public art to innovative architecture and artistic exhibits.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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