The Joy of Funerals—20 Years Later: A Book Talk and Signing With Alix Strauss

Described by the Los Angeles Times as “part ‘Six Feet Under,’ part ‘Sex and the City,’” The Joy Of Funerals by Alix Strauss has become a cult classic since its publication in 2003. Now, twenty years later, on the occasion of the novel’s rerelease, Strauss joins us at Green-Wood for a reading, discussion, Q&A, and book signing.  Books will be ... Read more

Día de los Muertos: An Artist Talk with Cinthya Santos-Briones

Artist, educator, and cultural organizer Cinthya Santos-Briones will discuss the inspiration for her installation, Mictlán, a large-scale community ofrenda in celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On view in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel, the altar draws inspiration from both ancient and modern conceptions of death in Mexico. Price: Free. Registration required. Get Tickets ... Read more

Sacred Passage Passport: Rituals From Around The World

With nearly 8 billion people on Earth—that’s 8 billion different perspectives on death, each influenced by the regional and cultural norms embedded in those individuals' daily lives.  What can we learn from these diverse perspectives? How can we broaden our outlook beyond the limitations of American customs?   Journey around the globe with us as we ... Read more

Cremation: History and Modern Process

This sweeping review of the history of cremation will take us from humankind’s earliest known cremation—in Australia over 32 thousand years ago—to its impact on modern funeral practices. Along the way, Joan of Arc, Walt Whitman, Mahatma Gandhi, and Whitney Houston will all make appearances in this engaging, lively talk led by funeral director Amy ... Read more

Death Cafe

The Death Cafe is a simple concept. Bring strangers together to discuss one of the great universal truths: death. With thousands of chapters in over 26 countries around the world, Death Cafes are informal gatherings that aim to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” There ... Read more

Feeling Tones: Pop-Up Video Installation

Multimedia artist Leigh Davis has thought a lot about death and dying. Now, she’s thinking about what comes next—in the afterlife. In her new video series Feeling Tones, Davis explores how we construct our beliefs about human consciousness and a possible afterlife. She focuses on how abstraction, imagery, and non-linear narrative help us process discomfort ... Read more

Feeling Tones: Artist Talk with Leigh Davis

Multimedia artist Leigh Davis has thought a lot about death and dying. Now, she’s thinking about what comes next: the afterlife. In her new video series Feeling Tones, Davis explores how we construct our beliefs about human consciousness and a possible afterlife. She focuses on how abstraction, imagery, and non-linear narratives help us process discomfort ... Read more

Things that Matter: Holiday Edition

Things that Matter (formerly known as Show & Tale) with Martie McNabb is like Antiques Roadshow but with storytelling, or a Death Cafe turned Pinterest board. Everyone is welcome to join in—just bring an object of your choosing and share your story about loss. No judges, no prizes, no pressure. And no need to practice! ... Read more

Grieving & Weaving: Resolutions and Renewal

There is something cathartic about working with yarn—a solace to be found in methodically creating patterns and textures with your own hands. Join Green-Wood Death Educator Gabrielle R. Gatto and artist Mary Pat Klein as they bring together creativity and contemplation with an evening of knitting and crocheting.  For the January meeting of Grieving & ... Read more

Civic Solidarity: Conversations on Death & Society

Join us for an open forum on the past, present, and future of socially and environmentally sustainable memorialization and burial in New York City. This event is sponsored by the New York Community Trust and presented by Columbia University DeathLAB and The Green-Wood Cemetery.  We invite you to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions about ... 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.