Design by Jothan Cashero

Death Education

Free programs on death, dying, and remembrance

If a cemetery isn’t the perfect setting for a conversation about death, what is?

It doesn’t often come up too often in small talk—it’s one of the last great taboos. Here at Green-Wood, we aim to change that. Our free public programs in death education demystify a wide range of topics relating to end of life. Scroll down for upcoming programs.

What is death education? It’s an umbrella term for studies and activities that facilitate the understanding and acceptance of death. In short, it’s all about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable universal truth of dying. It can incorporate understanding everyday practices like funerals and cremation, or exploring historical and cultural approaches to death. At Green-Wood we offer practical programs in death preparedness (including workshops on grief), lectures by academic experts in the death-positive field, programs that examine death through the lens of different cultures, and Death Cafes (informal, guided conversations about death).

Green-Wood’s death education programs are curated by Gabrielle Gatto, manager of public programs. She holds a certificate in Thanatology from The Open Center and is a graduate of the Going with Grace End of Life Training program with Alua Arthur.

Event Series Grieving and Weaving

Grieving and Weaving

Stitching together creativity and community, this knitting and crocheting group is unique for one reason: it meets in a cemetery. Whether you're an expert with yarn or just starting out, you are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel. As we create together, ... Read more

Event Series Death Cafe

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to "increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives." There’s no set agenda, but conversations might ... Read more

Silent Book Club of Death

Wouldn't it be great to have a book club where you could just read and enjoy the company of other bibliophiles—without any homework? Silent Book Clubs are taking place across the country for friends and strangers to gather, share what they're learning between the pages, and settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. ... Read more

Event Series Grieving and Weaving

Grieving and Weaving

Stitching together creativity and community, this knitting and crocheting group is unique for one reason: it meets in a cemetery. Whether you're an expert with yarn or just starting out, you are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel. As we create together, ... Read more

Event Series Death Cafe

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to "increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives." There’s no set agenda, but conversations might ... Read more

Event Series Grieving and Weaving

Grieving and Weaving

Stitching together creativity and community, this knitting and crocheting group is unique for one reason: it meets in a cemetery. Whether you're an expert with yarn or just starting out, you are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel. As we create together, ... Read more

Event Series Death Cafe

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to "increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives." There’s no set agenda, but conversations might ... Read more

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to "increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives." There’s no set agenda, but conversations might ... Read more

Event Series Death Cafe

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to "increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives." There’s no set agenda, but conversations might ... Read more

Event Series Grieving and Weaving

Grieving and Weaving

Stitching together creativity and community, this knitting and crocheting group is unique for one reason: it meets in a cemetery. Whether you're an expert with yarn or just starting out, you are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel. As we create together, ... Read more

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.