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.
(Sold Out) Shortest Day, Longest Night: A Winter Solstice Meditation
Come celebrate the winter solstice! Sure, it will be cold and it will get dark at some ridiculously early hour, but our fellow human beings have marked this day with festivities for millennia. Why not join them? Did you ever wonder why pine trees are such a big part of winter celebrations? The tradition dates back to ancient people who believed that evergreen trees had magical powers to stay green and withstand winter? Join evergreen-filled Green-Wood to celebrate the shortest day and longest night of the year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Talk to Kids About Death
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesHow do we explain death and dying to our children? How much should they know and when? How can a pet's death or a grandparent's declining health be explained in a way that's understandable? How can we engage their curiosity, talents, and emotions in funeral practices and traditions? Join funeral director and death educator Amy Cunningham and child and adolescent psychotherapist and registered play therapist Liana Smith-Murphy for an enlightening conversation on the best practices for discussing death with children.
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.
Valentine’s Day Bouquets
Valentine’s Day. We all know the drill: a box of chocolates, a goofy card, and a dozen red roses. Why not give that special someone in your life a personalized hand-crafted gift? Join Brooklyn-based expert florist Mindy Cardozo for an evening workshop to learn how to make a truly unique floral arrangement. Whether you’re super crafty or super klutzy, Mindy will guide you through the process and explain how to use a variety of seasonal flowers and plants to add your own distinct touches.
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.
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.
