(Sold Out) Death Need Not Be Fatal: Book Talk

New York Times bestselling author Malachy McCourt joins us for a very special literary evening to discuss his new work Death Need Not be Fatal, a personal memoir that shows readers how to live life to its fullest, how to grow old without acting old, and how to die without regret. McCourt recounts the tragedies that have shaped his life: the deaths of his sister and twin brothers; the real story behind Angela's famous ashes; and a poignant account of the death of the man who left his mother, brothers, and him to nearly die in squalor. Yet, he finds humor in all that life has thrown him so as to look at the prospect of his own demise with emotional clarity and insight. McCourt will be introduced by the book's co-author Brian McDonald.

2017 GREEN-WOOD BENEFIT

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

Join the Green-Wood Historic Fund as it presents the tenth annual De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence.

The award honors the legacy of 19th-century New York Governor De Witt Clinton (who also served as mayor of New York City, state senator, assemblyman and United States senator), now a venerated permanent resident at Green-Wood. Enjoy cocktails and dinner as we honor Dozier Hasty and Nancy Havens-Hasty and feature the restoration of the Weir Greenhouse and our vision for Green-Wood’s future.

Event Series (Sold Out) Birding Basics

(Sold Out) 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.

Cubans at Green-Wood

Since it opened in 1838, Green-Wood has been the resting place of myriad immigrant communities who made a new homes for themselves and their families in New York City. To honor this rich legacy, join Professor Lisandro Perez and Green-Wood Historian Jeff Richman for a special trolley tour exploring famed Cuban immigrants of the 19th century who count among the cemetery’s permanent residents. You will explore the mausoleum of sugar planter and refiner Miguel de Aldama, who sought to overthrow Spanish control of Cuba, and that of the Acea family, one of the wealthiest coffee-planting families on the island. Along the tour, your guides will share stories of politics, commercial enterprise, and tragedy relating to Cubans interred here.

(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.

The Secret Mausoleum Club

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

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.

Event Series (Sold Out) Birding Basics

(Sold Out) 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.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tours

Historic Trolley Tours

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

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.

Cremation: History and Modern Process

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

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.

Members-Only Opening Reception

Explore Among Trees and Stones before it opens to the public at a special reception in honor of artist Matthew Jensen. The evening will include a brief curator’s talk, refreshments, great company, and twilight tours of the 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.