Palmer Cemetery, originally known as the Kensington Burial Grounds, was established around 1732 in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia.

It is believed that Palmer gave a small parcel of land in his town, to be used as a 'free burial ground" for the people of Kensington.

Palmer died in 1749 and was buried in the Christ Church Burial Grounds located at 2nd and Market Streets.

The deed of trust named the original six trustees and the rules they were to follow in managing the burial grounds.

In 1975, a receiving vault built in 1870 of brick and marble exploded and was destroyed due to the build-up of kerosene fumes and the activity of juvenile delinquents.