Dead Distillers: Book Talk and Tasting

Way before Brooklyn had swanky cocktail bars and fancy beer, an armed battle was fought on the streets of Vinegar Hill between American soldiers and moonshiners who had avoided paying taxes on their enterprise. The Whiskey Wars of 1869 are one of the many fascinating tales in Colin Spoelman's new book Dead Distillers: A History of the Upstarts and Outlaws Who Made American Spirits. Colin, co-founder of Kings County Distillery, details the extensive history of the many personalities who left their mark on liquor and spirit production, some of whom are now permanent residents of Green-Wood, including Hezekiah Pierrepont, Clinton Gilbert, and Charles Wilson.

Stars of the Stage Trolley Tour

Among Green-Wood’s 560,000 permanent residents are some of the most celebrated personalities of the American stage. On this trolley tour we’ll step back in time and discover the actors, producers, composers, and directors that left their mark on entertainment history.

 

You will discover the world of William Niblo, whose theater in SoHo was stage for the first American musical The Black Crook, produced in 1866 by William Wheatley; as well as the tragic tales of Laura Keene who was onstage during Lincoln’s assassination and Kate Claxton’s harrowing story when fire engulfed the Brooklyn Theater in 1876. You’ll of course visit our modern Broadway legends Leonard Bernstein and Fred Ebb as well.

Shortest Day, Longest Night

The winter solstice has been marked with festivities for millennia in cultures across the globe. Did you know that ancient people believed evergreen trees had magical powers to stay green and withstand winter? In our last public program of 2016, just two days before the solstice, join evergreen-filled Green-Wood to celebrate the coming of winter. Learn of the cemetery’s history, our beautiful Himalayan Pines, and famous residents before ending at the chapel for an outdoor bonfire with warm refreshments, sweet treats, and a great decoration to take home. Be sure to toss on a hat and gloves!

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Death Café

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

The Death Café is a simple concept. It was inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café) where people gathered informally to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought the concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood's intention was to provide an opportunity to "increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives." Today, there are over 1,500 death cafes in 26 countries around the world.

Beginning in January 2017, Green-Wood is proud to host monthly gatherings of the Death Café here in our beautiful, modern chapel. Amy Cunningham, death educator and creator of the Brooklyn-based blog TheInspiredFuneral.com, invites participants to share their thoughts and feelings on death. It's an opportunity for safe and open exchanges, without an agenda. Coffee and light snacks are provided.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Cremation: History and Modern Process

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

What is cremation? How long have we been doing it, and how does it work? Amy Cunningham, death educator, leads this presentation of cremation's history (from its origins 32,000 years ago in Australia) and its impact on present-day and future funerals. This engaging and sometimes even light-hearted exploration will also touch on how to choose an end-of-life mode of disposition that expresses your own beliefs and values. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to visit the crematory with Gema LaBoccetta, Green-Wood's Crematory Manager, then chat with Amy and other attendees at a short reception.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Dead Distillers Trolley Tour

Green-Wood is teaming with our friends at Kings County Distillery to delve into the past and present of distilling, Brooklyn style. The afternoon kicks off with a trolley tour of the cemetery's permanent residents with whiskey connections, including the only casualty in the contentious Whiskey Wars of the mid-1800s. Afterward, the trolley will head to Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to explore how whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting of four of their of their delectable products (which they have been producing since 2010).

Winter Twilight Tour

There are few places more atmospheric than a cemetery at dusk - and Green-Wood is top notch when it comes to beauty and atmosphere. Arm yourself with a flashlight to explore the cemetery's stunning landscape as the sun fades over the horizon. You will visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American culture while your tour guide regales you with some mysterious tales. The night ends at our famous catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience the most magnificent and historic 478 acres in New York City. Join our expert tour guides to hear fascinating stories of Green-Wood’s permanent residents, see breathtaking views of Manhattan, tread where George Washington and his troops fought the Battle of Brooklyn, and much more.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Death Café

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

The Death Café is a simple concept. It was inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café) where people gathered informally to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought the concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood's intention was to provide an opportunity to "increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives." Today, there are over 1,500 death cafes in 26 countries around the world.

Beginning in January 2017, Green-Wood is proud to host monthly gatherings of the Death Café here in our beautiful, modern chapel. Amy Cunningham, death educator and creator of the Brooklyn-based blog TheInspiredFuneral.com, invites participants to share their thoughts and feelings on death. It's an opportunity for safe and open exchanges, without an agenda. Coffee and light snacks are provided.

Green-Wood’s public programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, as well as the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.