Open “Houses” A Home Run

We tried something new this year for openhousenewyork: opening up many of our tombs that had never before been opened to the public. And it was a huge hit. From big crowds–we had 2,000+ online reservations, plus hundreds of walk-ups–to enthusiastic attendees–just about everyone I spoke with seemed to be having a great time–to volunteers … Read more

Louis Lang: Artist

This is Louis Lang (1814–1893), painter and Green-Wood permanent resident. His gravestone, on the hill adjoining our Historic Chapel, describes him simply: “Artist.” We have several of his paintings in our Green-Wood Historic Fund collections, including this gem, which we recently acquired: And here is a spectacular Lang painting, just restored, that is about to … Read more

On TV This Week–Twice!

Over the years, I’ve taken part in quite a few videos about Green-Wood. Some have been great, some not so much. But I am very much looking forward to two that will have their premieres in the next week. One is a local production for NYCMedia, a part of the mayor’s office. Dave Evans is … Read more

Green-Wood Open “House”

Openhousenewyork, featuring free access to New York City’s best architectural features, began in 2003. And Green-Wood has participated in it annually since then, with a great performance across the grounds of music and dance, “Angels and Accordions.” But this year, on Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16, we have something very different and exciting … Read more

“Brooklyn Underground: Theatrical Stories From The Green-Wood Cemetery”

Looking for something special to do this weekend? Come see “Brooklyn Underground” in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel. It is a great show and the perfect place for it. Here’s part of Henry Stewart’s review in “The L Magazine:” The actors recite Green-Wood’s original rules from 1853 with professional authority, Shakespearean musicality and mock outrage; never, I’m … Read more

“Tourist In Your Own Town”

This past Saturday, we hosted a great group of about 100 people from the New York Landmarks Conservancy. I led two trolley tours of the grounds. We set up a tent and served lunch. It was a pleasure to share Green-Wood with a great group of enthusiastic New Yorkers. It is always a thrill to … Read more

Fourth Annual Benefit Photos and Press Release

GREEN-WOOD HISTORIC FUND HONORS PETE HAMILL, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST, EDITOR AND NATIVE BROOKLYNITE AT FOURTH ANNUAL BENEFIT Proceeds will Support Historic Preservation Projects, Community Outreach Events & Educational Programs at Brooklyn’s Historic Green-Wood (Thursday, September 15, 2011—Brooklyn, NY) – Hundreds of New Yorkers gathered tonight for “The Fourth Annual Benefit for the Green-Wood Historic Fund” at … Read more

Butterflies!

I was out on the cemetery grounds a few weeks ago and ran into Rob Jett. Rob is a very dedicated birder who goes far and wide to see birds, but who loves returning to Green-Wood year after year. As we talked, he noted that it was prime butterfly season. Rob generously offered to share … Read more

Collecting For Our Museum (Hopefully)

Green-Wood has a who’s-who of pioneering photographers interred here. One of those is Alexander Beckers. Several years ago I was checking a list of early photographers, looking for those who might be at Green-Wood. As I did so, I came to an Alexander Beckers, whose business was at 560 Broadway. And, lo and behold, Green-Wood … Read more