Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre
Author and journalist Sarah Murray never gave much thought to what might happen to her remains – until her father died. While he’d always insisted his “organic matter” would have no significance, he surprised the family by leaving detailed arrangements for the disposal of his ashes. His last request prompted Sarah to explore how – across centuries and cultures – humans have built memorials to their lives. Sarah will share stories, photos, and insights from her book Making an Exit: From the Magnificent to the Macabre – How We Dignify the Dead, which documents her journeys across the world on a very personal quest: seeking inspiration for her own eventual send-off.
Blessing the Altar with Indigenous Music and Songs of Central America: Cetilizti Nauchampa Quetzacoalt In Ixachiltlan
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBorder Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.
Cremation: History and Modern Process
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThis engaging and sometimes light-hearted exploration will 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.
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.
Crossing Borders: Displacement and Transcendence
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBorder Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.
Artist Talk
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBorder Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.
Birding in Peace
Before our gates open to the general public, birding expert Rob Jett leads these peaceful Sunday morning walking tours to discover the birds that make Green-Wood their home – at least temporarily. By September, offspring of these nesting birds will be on their own. Returning warblers will be in their less flamboyant fall plumage. Large numbers of blackbirds, flycatchers, sparrows, vireos, and swallows will also be passing through. By October, waterfowl are returning, and we’ll look for raptors heading south. November will bring back our overwintering feathered denizens from the north.
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.
On Borders, Human Lives and Poetry
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBorder Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.
Make Your Own Nicho
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBorder Crossings: This and Other Worlds (November 2-4), a three-day series of programs, performances, and installations that takes inspiration from global practices of honoring those who are no longer with us-e.g., El Dia de Los Muertos (the Mexican "Day of the Dead"); the Buddhist and Taoist "Ghost Festival" of Zhong Yuan Jie; the Christian holiday of All Souls Day; and Qingming or "Tomb Sweeping Day," a traditional Chinese celebration.
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.