Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery

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

Green-Wood and Creative Time partner to present Sophie Calle's site-specific installation "Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery". Visitors are invited to transcribe their most intimate secrets onto paper and lay them to rest in a grave designed by the artist.

During the debut weekend, visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring the sculptures and monuments throughout Green-Wood, a tradition that dates back to the early 1800s. Free maps of the cemetery, specially made to accompany Calle's installation, will be available. Also guided walking tours, with an emphasis on symbols and iconography, will be offered at no cost.

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 Birding in Peace

Birding in Peace

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

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. Copies of our new Bird Checklist will be available to all tour participants. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Tree ID Workshop

As home to over 9,000 trees, Green-Wood’s collection of maples, oaks, beeches, and gingkoes is one of the best in New York City. But how can you possibly tell them apart? Arborist Bill Logan leads an intensive five hour workshop that begins with a close study of an array of twigs and leaves, and learning how to classify those using dichotomous keys.

Event Series Birding in Peace

Birding in Peace

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

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. Copies of our new Bird Checklist will be available to all tour participants. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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.

(Sold Out) Moonlight Tour

Arm yourself with a flashlight and join other fearless trekkers to explore Green-Wood’s intriguing tombstones and unforgettable catacombs. Historian Jeff Richman leads this walking tour that is also accompanied by the ethereal and atmospheric sounds of live accordion music. Keep an eye out for the spirits of illustrious cemetery residents like Boss Tweed, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Leonard Bernstein and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Skeptical strollers can simply enjoy the brilliance of the full moon. Please bring a flashlight to light your way. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

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.

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 ambience. Arm yourself with a flashlight to explore the cemetery’s stunning landscape as the sun sets over the horizon. On this walking tour, you’ll visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American culture, ending at our famous catacombs, which are normally closed to the public. Please bring a flashlight to light your way. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Hamilton: The Trolley Tour

An encore performance! History has its eyes on Green-Wood for this Hamilton filled trolley tour. Although Alexander himself rests elsewhere, many family members and those who crossed his path are interred here. Led by historian Jeff Richman, you’ll visit Robert Troup, Hamilton's college roommate; William Peter Van Ness, who was Burr's “second” during the fateful duel; Hamilton's son, John Hamilton, who spent years studying his father’s history; Hamilton's grandchildren, Elizabeth and Schuyler, and many others. You’ll also discuss the Battle of Brooklyn – fought on land that is now part of Green-Wood – and Hamilton's role in that battle, the largest of the American Revolution.

War Comes to Brooklyn Trolley Tour

This special two-part trolley tour will examine the connections between the residents of Green-Wood and the iconic Brooklyn Army Terminal. Our afternoon starts with a visit to the graves of those who built, worked, and served at the Army Terminal, as well as other important figures in the development of Brooklyn's military and industrial waterfront over the past century. Then we head to the Army Terminal, designed by renowned architect Cass Gilbert and completed in 1919, to discover its past as an important transportation and logistics hub through World War II until the mid-1960's and its future as home to over 100 companies in a wide range of industries. This tour last 2.5 hours, and it does require some walking and climbing stairs. The tour will begin and end at the Green-Wood Cemetery.

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.