Massachusetts has passed groundbreaking human rights legislation to create a disability-led commission to investigate the history of state institutions, including locating and identifying individuals buried in nameless and unmarked graves.

Please join advocates on November 22 at 2 pm for remarks honoring former institutional residents and the passage of the Special Commission on State Institutions by Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mike Barrett, and Representative Sean Garballey at MetFern Cemetery in Waltham, the final resting place for 296 people who once lived at the Metropolitan State Hospital and Fernald State School.

Rain Location is Gann Academy, 333 Forest St., Waltham, MA 02452

Parking and Accessibility

MetFern Cemetery is only accessible by trail. Unfortunately, heavy power wheelchairs cannot be lifted across the brook leading into the cemetery but lighter wheelchairs can be lifted and DCR will provide a vehicle to drive people in upon request.

We ask that people who can walk arrive early and park on Waltham street parking on Forest Street before the intersection of Trapelo Road, Forest Street, and the Metropolitan Parkway.

People with mobility issues should park along the Metropolitan Parkway and at the Waltham City Dog Park Parking Lot next to the former Administration Building for the Metropolitan State Hospital.

Parking and Directions for Higher Mobility

Park on Forest Street (or at Elsie Turner Field). Walk to the Metropolitan Parkway and take your first right onto the paths. Stay straight for about 10 minutes of walking and the cemetery is on the right.

Parking and Directions for Lower Mobility

Park at the Dog Park Parking Lot on Metropolitan Parkway or along the east side of the parkway if the lot is full. Travel down to the last entrance to the paths before Trapelo Road and enter on your left. Stay straight for about 10 minutes of walking and the cemetery is on the right.