Death Cafe
“Weep not that the world changes—did it keep a stable changeless state, it were cause indeed to weep. ”― William Cullen Bryant Sadly, in the current climate, our thoughts are more fixated on death than ever, and anxieties are running high. It is highly possible that someone you know has died or that you have ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Death Café
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe 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.
Nineteenth-Century New York in 3D
It’s your best opportunity to time travel back in time to the New York City that you were born too late to live in! Over a span of four decades, Jeff Kraus has put together an extraordinary collection of stereoviews of life in the burgeoning metropolis. In the nineteenth century, stereoviews were a popular type ... Read more
Zooming in on Fungi: Bumps on Sticks and Other Ascomycetes
Green-Wood provides a rich habitat for mushrooms and other fungi throughout the year. In the summer the charismatic mycorrhizal mushrooms (don’t worry, we will fill you in on what that means) flourish among the old oaks and pines. But what about in the winter? Ethan Crenson and Sigrid Jakob, both longtime members of the New ... Read more
Winter Fungi Walk
While the colorful trees and migrating birds of Green-Wood get lots of buzz, visitors might not know about the bounty of mushrooms sprouting throughout the Cemetery’s 478 verdant acres. Join Sigrid Jakob and Ethan Crenson, longtime members of the New York Mycological Society, for a socially distanced mushroom walk to discover Green-Wood’s winter fungi. Not ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
This Republic of Suffering: Death and the American Civil War
In just four years, more than 750,000 soldiers and civilians lost their lives in the Civil War, leaving behind a grim landscape of death and destruction. Historian Drew Gilpin Faust weaves together a complex narrative of national grief, shared by both northerners and southerners, in her extraordinary and landmark book, This Republic of Suffering: Death ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Leonard Bernstein’s Lasting Legacy
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990), who counts among Green-Wood’s permanent residents, was a true renaissance man of the twentieth century: conductor, composer, activist, and educator. Whether you know him from his work with the New York Philharmonic, sung along with Broadway megahit “West Side Story,” or watched his “Young People’s Concerts” on TV, it’s safe to say ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
History Happy Hour: Forever Young—The Canda Monument
Life after death takes on a new meaning when discussing the Charlotte Canda monument and the cult fascination that has gripped Green-Wood’s visitors since it was erected. Often the poster child for Green-Wood in early guidebooks from the mid-1800s, the Canda gravesite is exemplary not only for its ornate decoration, but also for the tragic ... Read more
What Happens When No One Can Pay for the Funeral?
Death is universal, but its aftermath can be difficult—particularly when no one has money for a funeral. What happens to those who die with no family and no money? Social anthropologist Sally Raudon has traveled the world, exploring that issue across many cultures. Join Raudon and Green-Wood Historian Jeff Richman for a discussion about how ... Read more
Future of the Funeral: Memorializing Loved Ones during COVID-19
What can we glean from the grief of the great American military battles, the AIDS Epidemic, 9-11, and Sandy Hook that is applicable to these uncertain days of the novel coronavirus? A great deal, as it happens. While commemorative flags, quilts, wreaths, home altars, obituaries, grave markers, scrap books, and stories are as relevant as ... Read more
(Sold Out) Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Happily Never After
Love and death. They have inspired artists, writers, and philosophers for millennia. But do you know they are perfectly intertwined? At a cemetery! Forget the box of chocolates and sappy card—treat the special someone in your life to an exploration of Green-Wood. Along the way you will hear tales of the lovesick and the heartbroken, ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Urban Oases: Green-Wood and Central Park
New Yorkers have long desired to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Their first chance came in 1838 when Green-Wood opened far off in the city of Brooklyn, and quickly became a major tourist destination. Twenty years later came Central Park, designed by masterminds Olmsted and Vaux, which offered its own unique landscape ... Read more
Death Café
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe 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.
Why BIPOC Horticulture Knowledge Matters
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) horticulturists’ understanding of plants and nature is often grounded in different perspectives than the institutions in which they work here in the United States. Intentionally or unintentionally, both public and private gardens currently fail to integrate BIPOC expertise and knowledge in their garden operations. How can institutions integrate ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
History Happy Hour: Influential Entrepreneurs—Visionaries Turned Activists
Build a successful business, make money, and call it a day, right? While that may be the case for some, there are entrepreneurs who have done more than just make a profit with the fruits of their labor. Discover the Green-Wood residents who used their vision, influence, and wealth to raise awareness and support Black ... Read more
History Revisited: Celebrating Green-Wood’s Black Residents
In honor of Black History Month, Green-Wood presents this virtual celebration and recognition of the unique stories of Black lives memorialized at the Cemetery. Although Brooklyn and New York City have long struggled with segregation and racism, they also have a history of diversity, progress, and activism. This conversation, between City Councilman Robert E. Cornegy, ... Read more
A Day in the Life of a Death Doula
You’ve heard of a birth doula, but what about a death doula? It’s a profession that has only recently begun making its way to the mainstream, but one that is highly poignant. Death doulas serve an important role in end-of-life care, helping individuals and families to navigate the uncharted territory of the dying process. But ... Read more
Winter Fungi Walk (Sold Out)
This event is sold out. You can check our full calendar for more events. Make sure you never miss out on tickets again! Green-Wood members get access to tickets weeks before the general public. Join today. While the colorful trees and migrating birds of Green-Wood get lots of buzz, visitors might not know about the bounty of mushrooms ... Read more
Black in Brooklyn
In honor of Black History Month, Green-Wood presents this special ninety-minute walking tour in celebration and recognition of the unique stories of the Black residents interred here. Starting from the Cemetery’s Fort Hamilton Parkway Entrance, this tour will highlight some of the Black New Yorkers who challenged segregation and racism with a commitment to diversity, progress, and ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Black in Brooklyn
In honor of Black History Month, Green-Wood presents this special ninety-minute walking tour in celebration and recognition of the unique stories of the Black residents interred here. Starting from the Cemetery’s Fort Hamilton Parkway Entrance, this tour will highlight some of the Black New Yorkers who challenged segregation and racism with a commitment to diversity, progress, and ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
History Happy Hour: “New Light From the Great Pyramid,” The Tomb of Van Ness Parsons
Ancient Egypt was all the rage in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century—you could see it in everything from fashion design to early cinema. But there is no better place to see this style trend (known as Egyptian Revival) in its full glory than right here at Green-Wood. Obelisks, pyramids, and hieroglyphs are common ... Read more
Six Degrees of Lincoln: Green-Wood and The Great Emancipator
You can hardly walk through Green-Wood without coming upon the grave of someone connected to Abraham Lincoln: There’s the general who headed his armed forces, the telegrapher who became his companion as they waited for news to be wired from the battlefield, and the leading newspapermen who opined on his administration. And that’s just the ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Restoration in Action: Recent Projects at Green-Wood
Keeping 478 acres of mausoleums and monuments upright and in tip-top shape is no small task, but since arriving at Green-Wood in 2016, Neela Wickremesinghe, the Robert A. and Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe Director of Restoration and Preservation at Green-Wood, has risen to the challenge. Along with her two-person team, they have rolled up their sleeves ... Read more
Cremation: History and Modern Process
What is cremation? How long have people been doing it, and how does it work? Amy Cunningham, funeral director and death educator, leads this presentation on the history of cremation 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 ... Read more
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Winter Wanders
It may be cold outside, but don’t let that stop you from discovering Green-Wood! On this leisurely ninety-minute walking tour you’ll take in spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline from Battle Hill; visit Fannie the dog, the beloved companion of Elias Howe’s family; and hear the tragic tale of Victorian debutante Charlotte Canda. Along the ... Read more
Napoleon Sarony: Photographer to the Stars
Before Annie Leibovitz and Richard Avedon, there was another photographer who the rich and famous turned to take their portrait: Napoleon Sarony (1821-1896). Over the course of three decades, working from several locations around Union Square in New York City, he artfully captured images of presidents, actors, theatrical productions, and international superstars including Oscar Wilde, Sarah Bernhardt, Lillie Langtry, and ... Read more
Death Café
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe 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.
The Thousand Year Wood: Humans and Trees Growing Together
For millennia, people around the globe did not simply live beside or under trees—they lived with them. It was a symbiotic relationship, not an exploitative one. Proper human care for the woodlands increased their diversity and promoted the number and variety of insects, birds, and other creatures who lived in the forests. The trees themselves ... Read more
Green-Wood’s Greatest Hits
Join our expert tour guides to explore Green-Wood’s historic landscape and most fascinating permanent residents. If you have never been to the Cemetery, this is your opportunity to discover the highlights of some of its 478 acres of art, history, and nature! On this walking tour, you will tread where George Washington and his troops ... Read more
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the many birds that call Green-Wood home.
Green-Wood’s Greatest Hits
Join our expert tour guides to explore Green-Wood’s historic landscape and most fascinating permanent residents. If you have never been to the Cemetery, this is your opportunity to discover the highlights of some of its 478 acres of art, history, and nature! On this walking tour, you will tread where George Washington and his troops ... Read more
History Happy Hour: The Cemetery Language of Flowers
In the Victorian era, floriography—or the language of flowers—was a sensation, with bouquets and arrangements often carrying cryptic meanings. You would need a flora dictionary (no joke!) to decipher them. This interest in the symbolism of flowers made its way into fashion, art, and even cemeteries, where roses, poppies, daisies, and lilies all held specific ... Read more
Mausoleums of the Rich and Famous: A Virtual Tour of Woodlawn
They say money can’t buy you everything, but that’s only mostly true. For this evening’s virtual exploration, Green-Wood’s historian Jeff Richman and The Woodlawn Cemetery’s Director of Historical Services Susan Olsen, take you behind closed doors to discover some of the most opulent and elaborate mausoleums at their cemeteries. Commissioned by the crème de la ... Read more
‘Ghost Tike’ A Collective Memorial: A Creative Approach to Grief
COVID has made it difficult to gather together to remember lost loved ones, limiting the connections we can forge with others through collective grief. Artist Caito Stewart, however, presents another approach, one that can be taken from a distance, in this engaging virtual workshop. The evening begins with Caito discussing her creation of Ghost Tike, ... Read more
Women Who Walked Ahead
In honor of Women’s History Month, Green-Wood presents this special ninety-minute walking tour in celebration and recognition of the women who challenged the social, cultural, and political order of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Through this eye-opening exploration that highlights the bravery of some of the Cemetery’s most notable women, you’ll discover Isabella Goodwin, ... Read more
Green-Wood’s Greatest Hits
Join our expert tour guides to explore Green-Wood’s historic landscape and most fascinating permanent residents. If you have never been to the Cemetery, this is your opportunity to discover the highlights of some of its 478 acres of art, history, and nature! On this walking tour, you will tread where George Washington and his troops ... Read more
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.