The first known burial in the Shakers' cemetery took place in December of 1811, when 33-year-old Nancy Bryant, died of consumption. In keeping with Shaker religious doctrine, most graves had only a simple limestone headstone engraved with the deceased's initials. These markers were typically made onsite by fellow Shakers accustomed to working with limestone. Several community members who died in the late 1800s and early 1900s, did receive more elaborate gravestones – these were purchased from local monument dealers in the region.

There is no extant cemetery chart or listing of burials, and it is unclear if the Pleasant Hill Shakers ever kept such records. In addition to the 300-400 Shakers estimated to be buried in the cemetery, there are several non-Shakers buried in the cemetery. These include a Confederate soldier who died of illness while being nursed at Pleasant Hill and a child who had been living at the Pennebaker Home for Girls in the 1930s. The last Shaker to be buried in the cemetery was Sister Mary Settles, the last Shaker to live at Pleasant Hill.

In 1885, the original stone wall was replaced by a wooden fence. Between 1923 and 1961, when Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill was established as a museum and historic site, many headstones were removed or damaged beyond repair. Today roughly one-fifth of the graveyard's original headstones remain in situ. Additional headstones, particularly those that have been damaged, are preserved and stored in Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill's collections facility. Out of respect for the Shakers buried in the cemetery, today the cemetery gate is generally kept locked, although access can be arranged with Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill staff.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a landmark destination that shares 3,000 acres of discovery in the spirit of the Kentucky Shakers. With 34 original Shaker structures, the site is home to the country's largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. The nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization relies on revenue generated by visiting guests and funding from public sources, private donations and endowment income.

For all inquiries about the Shaker Cemetery, please contact Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill staff at [email protected] or 859-734-1549.