Alive at Green-Wood
There's a lot more to a cemetery than death. There's life - a lot of it. In fact, for Green-Wood, the natural environment is a critical part of our future. Join us for this new walking tour to explore the potential of the Cemetery's 478 acres as a public garden, a distinction that means much more than manicured lawns and azaleas. It means that we work to teach our visitors about Green-Wood's ecology and environmental diversity. As an accredited arboretum, the Cemetery has over 7,000 trees and a master plan that includes new interpretive panels (signs) across the grounds. You'll learn so much about the natural beauty and wildlife at Green-Wood that you'll want to come back and give your own tour to family and friends!
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.
Gay Green-Wood
Green-Wood celebrates LGBT History month with a special trolley tour illuminating permanent residents who have made a lasting impact on American culture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. You will visit the graves of important LGBT figures including “It’s Raining Men” co-writer, Paul Jabara; sculptor of Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain, Emma Stebbins; activists and founders of the Hetrick Martin Institute, Drs. Emery Hetrick and Damien Martin, among others. This trolley tour is led by Andrew Dolkart and Ken Lustbader, Co-Directors of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project.
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 atmosphere. As the sun sets on 478 spectacular acres, you'll weave through stunning landscapes and visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American history. This not-to-be-missed walking tour ends with a visit to the Catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.
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.
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.
Nightfall
As night falls across Green-Wood, step through the iconic Gothic Arch and into an unforgettable experience of ethereal sights and sounds. Guided by the thousands of flickering candles, you’ll wander along the Cemetery’s winding paths and have chance encounters with musicians, moving images, performance artists, and storytellers. It all takes place against the stunning backdrop of one New York City’s most historic and storied landscapes, lit by the light of the silvery moon.
Femme Fatales
Many distinguished and noteworthy New Yorkers found their permanent residences at Green-Wood in the nineteenth century; it was the place to be buried. Among them, however, are also those whose reputations are not as admirable, including Fanny White, famed New York City courtesan and brothel manager; Emma Cunningham, who was tried for the murder of society dentist, Harvey Burdell (he was strangled and stabbed fifteen times) amidst rumors of greed, lust, and depravity; and the Dublin-born Kitty Terry, who ran away to Liverpool at fifteen where two high-end con men and thieves courted her and together formed a romantic triplet. Expert tour guide Ruth Edebohls will share tales of their alleged misdeeds and unscrupulous behavior.
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.
Nightfall (SOLD OUT)
As night falls across Green-Wood, step through the iconic Gothic Arch and into an unforgettable experience of ethereal sights and sounds. Guided by the thousands of flickering candles, you’ll wander along the Cemetery’s winding paths and have chance encounters with musicians, moving images, performance artists, and storytellers. It all takes place against the stunning backdrop of one New York City’s most historic and storied landscapes, lit by the light of the silvery moon.
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.
