The Death Café is inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café), an informal gathering to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought this 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 4,400 Death Cafes in 26 countries around the world.

With $3,000 hidden on his body and the backing of the Emergency Rescue Committee, Varian Fry flew from New York to Marseilles in August, 1940, to begin one of the least known, but most heroic actions of the twentieth century. Carrying a list of 200 luminaries in the fields of art, science, literature and medicine, Fry began his dangerous rescue of some of the world’s most famous artists who were then trapped in Nazi-occupied France. By the time he returned to New York a little over a year later, Fry had saved 2,000 souls, some famous, some unknown.

In the 21st-century, musicians love the unmatched acoustic quality of this unique studio of stone. Join Atlas Obscura and Green-Wood for the premiere of a series of curated concerts featuring artists specially selected to perform in this coveted setting. Without question, this will be New York City’s most unique musical experience.

A peaceful hush falls over Green-Wood each night. In the darkness, centuries-old monuments stand guard over those laid to permanently rest within. This year, Atlas Obscura and Green-Wood Cemetery are collaborating to present The Secret Mausoleum Club, as we open the cemetery’s historic gates and selected mausoleums for an extraordinary series of after-hours explorations through history.

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 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.

It's a shame no one wants to talk to them at parties, because obituary writers are a surprisingly funny bunch. Ten hours before newspapers hit neighborhood doorsteps—and these days, ten minutes before news hits the web—an obit writer is racing against deadline to sum up a long and newsworthy life in under 1000 words. The details of these lives are then deposited into the cultural memory amid the daily beat of war, politics, and football scores.