Black in Brooklyn
In honor of Black History Month, Green-Wood presents this celebration and recognition of the unique stories of black lives in Green-Wood. Although Brooklyn and New York City have long struggled with segregation and racism, they also have a history of diversity, progress, and activism. This trolley tour, led by Green-Wood Historian Jeff Richman, will examine the life and accomplishments of many prominent black New Yorkers, as well as several abolitionists who fought for freedom in America.
Cremation: History and Modern Process
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesWhat 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.
Birding in Peace
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean that there aren't interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we'll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
(Sold Out) Historic Trolley Tours
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesExperience 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.
Birders: Tweet at Us
Calling all birders! Joseph Charap, Green-Wood's Director of Horticulture, leads a community forum to address the cemetery's commitment to birds, birders, and birding. He will discuss efforts that are currently underway to support wildlife habitats throughout Green-Wood's extensive landscape, as well as addressing feedback and suggestions from the birding community.
Birding in Peace
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean that there aren't interesting birds to discover in Green-Wood. For some bird species that migrate south after the breeding season, Brooklyn is their Miami during the cold months. Spend the early morning exploring the cemetery, looking for overwintering waterfowl, nuthatches, woodpeckers, sparrows, finches and any half-hardy birds that decided to stick around. By February we'll see some of the early north-bound birds beginning to trickle back into the area.
(Sold Out) Into the Night: Portraits of Life and Death
Into the Night is a feature-length PBS documentary exploring diverse perspectives on death and dying. Through the lens of astrophysics, art, cryonics, near death experiences and green burials, nine unique individuals from all walks of life challenge us to rethink our place in the universe. Each of them has been forever changed by encounters with mortality. Into the Night will be broadcast on PBS on March 28, 2018.
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.
Birding Basics
Birding is one of this country's fastest growing hobbies, and there is no place better to enjoy it in Brooklyn than at Green-Wood! This two-part course will teach the beginner birder the why, where, how, and what of birding. With over 250 species of birds residing in, or passing through, the Big Apple every year, learn where to look for, and how to identify, many of the species in this diverse group of animals. Our second session will end with a walk through the Cemetery, applying some of the lessons learned in the classroom.
Brooklyn by Name
Meet the nineteenth-century luminaries interred at Green-Wood whose names now grace parks, streets, and subway stations throughout Brooklyn. Discover how city dwellers like Hezekiah Beers, Henry Evelyn Pierrepont, Henry Havemeyer, Peter and Abraham Schermerhorn, and Teunis Garret Bergen were influential enough to become permanent fixtures in the borough of Kings.
Make Your Own (Mini) Monument
Green-Wood is a veritable outdoor museum of stone sculptures – over 250,000 in all. Each marks a life and a life story. At this hands-on workshop, Neela Wickremesinghe, Green-Wood’s Manager of Preservation and Restoration will offer insights into the art of stone conservation and demonstrate how her team creates replacement parts when monuments need repair. Using the same techniques, each participant will cast his/her own personal plaster ornament to take home.
(Sold Out) Dead Distillers Trolley Tour
Green-Wood is teaming up with our friends at Kings County Distillery to delve into the storied past of distilling in Brooklyn. The afternoon kicks off with a trolley tour of the cemetery’s “permanent residents” with whiskey connections, including the one and only casualty of the Brooklyn Whiskey Wars of the late 1860s and early 1870s. Afterward, the trolley will head to Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where visitors will see first-hand how whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting of four delectable varieties.
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.
Birding Basics
Birding is one of this country's fastest growing hobbies, and there is no place better to enjoy it in Brooklyn than at Green-Wood! This two-part course will teach the beginner birder the why, where, how, and what of birding. With over 250 species of birds residing in, or passing through, the Big Apple every year, learn where to look for, and how to identify, many of the species in this diverse group of animals. Our second session will end with a walk through the Cemetery, applying some of the lessons learned in the classroom.
Blossoming: A Spring Equinox Celebration
The spring equinox signals a time of rebirth and renewal, the end of winter dormancy, and the promise of warmer and longer days ahead. Green-Wood invites you to celebrate with us as our 478 verdant acres come to life with blossoming flowers and birds returning to make their nests. The evening begins indoors with inspirational readings and a guided meditation. Later, a peaceful walk through Green-Wood concludes with a gathering around a small bonfire to toast the new season.
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.
