Green-Wood

Natural Endings: Green Burial at Green-Wood and Beyond
2024-08-03 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Credit: Shannon Taggart

Around the world, people are answering the call to make our final farewell better for the planet. But with so many new methods, what are the best and “greenest” options? Death Educator and Funeral Director Amy Cunningham is here to answer all of your questions! In this afternoon long walk and tour, Amy will address the growing importance of eco-conscious funeral practices, exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional burial methods and the emergence of environmentally friendly funeral rituals.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

She will then guide the group in a burial shroud workshop for a hands-on experience. Later, the group will walk to Cedar Dell, Green-Wood’s designated area for natural burial lots and learn about what natural burial looks like right here in Brooklyn!

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Attendees must follow ALL instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.

Tickets: There is no need to print tickets. Attendees will be checked in by name.

Where to go: Contactless check-in will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Grieving & Weaving
2024-08-21 18:30 - 20:30
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 crafting.

If you like to knit, crochet, or engage in another kind of crafting—artists of all kinds are welcome—Grieving & Weaving is for you.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Share your craft, your projects, and your thoughts with us. As we create together, we’ll talk about the significance of handmade items in both our personal and collective histories. Feel free to bring a handmade item you’d like to share with the group or a story about a family item—maybe a blanket, article of clothing, or toy—that’s been passed down generation after generation.

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experts! Mary Pat will lead a tutorial for newcomers in both knitting and crocheting, while those at intermediate and expert levels are encouraged to bring their ongoing projects. Feel free to bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mary Pat Klein is a highly skilled and renowned yarn craftsperson. Her knit creations have graced television screens, print ads, and Broadway stages. Her works have been featured on The Today Show and Guiding Light, as well as Broadway productions including Frozen, A View From a Bridge, Present Laughter, and the stage adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire, for which she crafted the iconic blue sweater. Collaborating closely with Tony Award-winning costume designers, Mary Pat has custom crafted blankets, sweaters, hats, throw pillows, and an array of unique items.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Attendees must follow all instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.

By registering, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. This program may be photographed for promotional or press purposes.

Tickets: There is no need to print tickets. Attendees will be checked in by name.

Where to go: Contactless check-in will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Notes of Tribute: Viewing the 9/11 Memorial Lights
2024-09-11 19:00 - 21:00
Green-Wood serves as the final resting place for over 100 people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 and in the years that followed. In their remembrance, we will gather on one of Green-Wood’s hills overlooking the city skyline to witness the tribute lights over lower Manhattan.

Our program will include words of remembrance and a reading of the names of 9/11 victims memorialized at Green-Wood. Music will anchor and guide us through the evening from sunset onward.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

All are welcome.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Mourning for Nature
2024-09-14 14:00 - 15:30
Part of Climate Week at Green-Wood

In a world increasingly defined by the climate crisis, the profound effects on our environment can stir deep feelings of fear, grief, and uncertainty. How do we address these emotions and honor our connection to the natural world?

Join us for Mourning for Nature, an interactive workshop set in the serene and reflective space of the Cemetery. Come together with others to explore and express the complex emotions associated with the changing environment. Through group activities like writing letters to extinct species, we will foster a deeper connection to nature and transform these feelings into meaningful action.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

The workshop will take place outside and is facilitated by Death Literacy advocates, Your Morbid Friends.

As part of Green-Wood’s Climate Week programming, this event seeks to amplify awareness of issues surrounding climate change and foster community collaboration toward environmental stewardship and a more resilient future.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

A Day in the Life of A Pet Loss Specialist
2024-09-16 18:15 - 19:30
Losing a pet can hurt just as much as losing any human, but there are people who can help: pet loss specialists. They offer emotional support and practical guidance for navigating the death of beloved pets. Discover the daily routines, challenges, and rewards of their work and gain valuable insights into memorializing and grieving our beloved pets.

Participate in a Q&A session where you can ask questions and seek advice on dealing with pet loss and supporting others in their grief journey. Connect with fellow pet lovers and share your experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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Virtual Program (see details below)

Our Panelists: Jessica Fragola, lead veterinarian and founder of Paws at Peace; Lauren Seeley, a death doula who works with those grieving pet loss; and Beth Bigler, pet loss grief counselor with Honoring Our Animals.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Grieving & Weaving: Climate Week Edition
2024-09-23 18:30 - 20:30
Part of Climate Week at Green-Wood

Join us as we bring together creativity and contemplation with an evening of crafting.

At this special Climate Week edition of Grieving & Weaving, we’re focusing on how crafting can play a role in sustainability. Repurposing materials, crafting durable handmade items, and mending damaged garments are all ways we can minimize our environmental footprint. Please bring an item to mend. As we create, we welcome discussions on climate anxiety and how we can work together toward a more sustainable future.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experts! We’ll lead a tutorial for newcomers in both knitting and crocheting, while those at intermediate and expert levels are encouraged to bring their ongoing projects. You may bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As part of Green-Wood’s Climate Week programming, this event seeks to amplify awareness of issues surrounding climate change and foster community collaboration toward environmental stewardship and a more resilient future.The evening will be led by Green-Wood Death Educator Gabrielle R. Gatto and renowned yarn craftsperson Mary Pat Klein. Klein’s works have been featured on The Today Show, as well as Broadway productions including Frozen, Present Laughter, and the stage adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire, for which she crafted the iconic blue sweater.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Memorializing Ecological Loss
2024-09-24 18:00 - 20:00
Part of Climate Week at Green-Wood

As our landscapes and ecosystems face unprecedented changes due to the climate crisis, it’s crucial to find ways to mourn and memorialize these losses. Cemeteries, often steeped in history, tradition and symbolism, offer a unique opportunity to reflect on how we might memorialize these transformations.

Join us for a panel discussion in our Modern Chapel on how cemeteries, as spaces for public rituals and collective memory, can provide a platform for us to process our grief and loss surrounding the environmental crisis.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

The evening concludes with an interactive group activity, where attendees will collaborate to envision creative and meaningful ecological memorials. Our expert panelists include Ari Simon of Grief at Work, Johanna Lovecchio from Columbia University’s Climate School and Partners in Public Design, queer ecologist and and environmental consultant Katie Coyne, and Dr. Maya Livio of American University, who will be joined by Sara Evans, Green-Wood’s director of living collections and curator.

As part of Green-Wood’s Climate Week programming, this event seeks to amplify awareness of issues surrounding climate change and foster community collaboration toward environmental stewardship and a more resilient future.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Death Cafe: Climate Week Edition
2024-09-25 18:15 - 19:45
Part of Climate Week at Green-Wood

Credit: Jothan Cashero

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.”

For this meeting, we’ll focus our discussions on ecological grief and climate anxiety.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Living amid the loss and destruction of the escalating climate crisis can trigger feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness, and deep sadness. We invite you to share your thoughts, anxieties, and feelings with us. It’s an opportunity for safe and open exchanges—along with tea and pastries!

As part of Green-Wood’s Climate Week programming, this event seeks to amplify awareness of issues surrounding climate change and foster community collaboration toward environmental stewardship and a more resilient future.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Death Cafe
2024-10-07 18:00 - 19:30
Credit: Jothan Cashero

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 is no set agenda, but topics of conversation may include thoughts on burial versus cremation, what music you want played at your funeral, or a personal experience you had dealing with grief.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Program (see details below)

Taking place in the Cemetery’s Modern Chapel, Gabrielle Gatto, Green-Wood’s manager of public programs and a death doula who holds a certificate in thanatology, invites you to share their thoughts, anxieties, hopes, and questions about death. It’s an opportunity for safe and open exchanges—along with tea and pastries!

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Game Night at Green-Wood: The Death Deck
2024-10-15 18:30 - 20:00
Join friends and strangers alike for the ultimate cemetery card game: the Death Deck. With 112 thought-provoking cards featuring multiple choice and open-ended questions, the Death Deck prompts players to explore personal beliefs, fears, and preparations surrounding the inevitable end with a dose of humor and levity. Whether you’re partnering up or joining a lively group, expect an evening filled with introspection and connection. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into what matters most—both in life and in death.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

The evening will be facilitated by Lisa Pahl, hospice social worker and co-creator of The Death Deck; Catherine, creator of the Death Project Manager Mortality Workbook and host of death positive events around the globe; and Lauren Seeley, a death doula and illustrator.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Grieving & Weaving
2024-10-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-11-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:30
Join us as we bring together creativity and contemplation with an evening of crafting.

If you like to knit, crochet, or engage in another kind of crafting, Grieving & Weaving is for you. As we create together, we’ll talk about the significance of handmade items in both our personal and collective histories. Feel free to bring a handmade item you’d like to share with the group or a story about a family item—maybe a blanket, article of clothing, or toy—that’s been passed down to you.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Event(see details below)

All skill levels are welcome, from beginners to experts! We’ll lead a tutorial for newcomers in both knitting and crocheting, while those at intermediate and expert levels are encouraged to bring their ongoing projects. You may bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The evening will be led by Green-Wood Death Educator Gabrielle R. Gatto and renowned yarn craftsperson Mary Pat Klein. Klein’s works have been featured on The Today Show, as well as Broadway productions including Frozen, Present Laughter, and the stage adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire, for which she crafted the iconic blue sweater.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Day of the Dead Family Celebration
2024-11-01 16:00 - 19:00
Discover the rich history and traditions associated with the holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through family-friendly crafts, performances, music, activities, and food.

PROGRAM IN ENGLISHPROGRAMA EN ESPAÑOL

Celebrated throughout Latin America from October 31st to November 2nd, this holiday is a time for family and friends to commemorate departed loved ones through prayer, altars, music, and dance.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Price: Free. Registration recommended to receive updates about the event. Walk-ins are welcomed. No admittance after 5:30pm.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

BEFORE Registering, PLEASE NOTE:

COVID-19 Policy: In accordance with CDC, and New York State and City guidance, masks are optional. Attendees must follow ALL instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.

Where to go: The event takes place near the Historic Chapel located just a short distance from the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street). Please arrive before 5:30pm. No admittance after 5:30pm.

For Your Safety: Parts of this event will take place over grassy and hilly terrain. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear appropriate shoes.

A Little More About Safety: Follow ALL instructions and guidance from Cemetery staff and ambassadors.

Inclement Weather Policy: We monitor the weather throughout the day for the best chance of proceeding with the event and will not make a final decision until at least 3 hours before the start time. Cancellations will be announced via Eventbrite email blasts, so check your email and spam folders.

Checking in: Please note that registration for this event is recommended but not required. Pre-registered and walk-in attendees will all visit the same welcome table to receive food and drink tickets upon arrival. Names will not be checked. Food and drink tickets and other event supplies are limited and first come, first served.

Celebración familiar del Día de Muertos

viernes, 1 de noviembre de 202416:00 – 19:00

Descubra la rica historia y tradiciones asociadas con la festividad del Día de los Muertos a través de artesanías, espectáculos, música, actividades y comida para toda la familia.

Celebrada en toda América Latina del 31 de octubre al 2 de noviembre, esta festividad es un momento para que familiares y amigos conmemoren a sus seres queridos fallecidos a través de oraciones, altares, música y danza.

Precio: Gratis. Se recomienda registrarse para recibir actualizaciones sobre el evento. Las personas sin cita previa son bienvenidas. Prohibido el ingreso después de las 5:30 p.m.

Por favor, considere una donación de $10 a Green-Wood al registrarse. Su donación ayudará a garantizar que podamos continuar brindando atractivos programas familiares a bajo costo o sin costo alguno para el público.

ANTES DE REGISTRARSE, TENGA EN CUENTA:

Política COVID-19: De acuerdo con los CDC y las pautas del estado y la ciudad de Nueva York, las máscaras son opcionales. Los asistentes deben seguir TODAS las instrucciones y orientación del personal y los embajadores del cementerio.

Dónde ir: El evento se lleva a cabo cerca de la Capilla Moderna ubicada a poca distancia de la entrada principal en la Quinta Avenida y la Calle 25 (500 25th Street). Por favor llegue antes de las 5:30 p.m. Prohibida la entrada después de las 17:30 horas.

Para su seguridad: Partes de este evento se llevarán a cabo sobre terreno cubierto de hierba y montañoso. Se recomienda encarecidamente a los asistentes que utilicen calzado adecuado.

Un poco más sobre seguridad: siga TODAS las instrucciones y orientación del personal y los embajadores del cementerio.

Política de inclemencias del tiempo: monitoreamos el clima durante todo el día para tener la mejor oportunidad de continuar con el evento y no tomaremos una decisión final hasta al menos 3 horas antes de la hora de inicio. Las cancelaciones se anunciarán mediante envíos masivos de correos electrónicos de Eventbrite, así que revisa tus carpetas de correo electrónico y de spam.

Registro: tenga en cuenta que se recomienda, pero no es obligatorio, registrarse para este evento. Los asistentes preinscritos y sin cita previa visitarán la misma mesa de bienvenida para recibir boletos para comida y bebida a su llegada. Los nombres no serán verificados. Los boletos para alimentos y bebidas y otros suministros para este evento son limitados y se otorgan por orden de llegada.

Lights, Camera, Legacy: Filming Family Stories
2024-11-16 14:00 - 15:30
Capturing the essence of your loved ones in videos is a precious gift, whether it’s Grandpa’s dance moves, an uncle’s infectious laughter, or toasts from your parents’ wedding. Led by Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker Elyse Neiman Seiter, this evening will explore the craft of creating compelling home videos and interviews that preserve your family’s legacy for future generations.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Whether you’re a novice or experienced in video production, this program equips you with essential skills and confidence. We’ll cover interview techniques, filming basics, the storytelling process, video editing, and the art of building a lasting legacy.

Elyse Neiman Seiter is an Emmy award winning TV producer (MTV’s “True Life”), director, and filmmaker with two decades of professional experience in non-fiction TV and film. Her production company, Mindful Films, documents and shares personal stories of illness, healing, and end-of-life.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Visual Obituaries
2024-11-18 18:30 - 20:00
You may be familiar with written obituaries, but what is a visual obituary? Led by death literacy advocate Dr. Jill Greenbaum, we will explore how photographs, papers, fabrics, and cherished objects can be brought together to tell compelling narratives of our lives. Dr. Greenbaum will expertly guide us in crafting these vibrant tributes, exploring diverse design techniques and sharing personal insights. This session isn’t just about crafting; it’s an opportunity to celebrate the lives we’ve lost and gain a deeper understanding of their impacts.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Bring along materials that remind you of a lost loved one and participate in this creative and life-affirming process. Personal items you can bring include photos, mementos, copies of birth certificates, diplomas, recipes, writings, etc. Some basic crafting items will be provided on a first-come first serve-basis, including paper, poster board, scissors, glue, markers, etc.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Death Cafe
2024-11-27 18:15 - 19:45, 2024-12-17 18:15 - 19:45
Credit: Jothan Cashero

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 is no set agenda, but topics of conversation may include thoughts on burial versus cremation, what music you want played at your funeral, or a personal experience you had dealing with grief.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Event(see details below)

Taking place in the Cemetery’s Modern Chapel, Gabrielle Gatto, Green-Wood’s manager of public programs and a death doula who holds a certificate in thanatology, invites you to share their thoughts, anxieties, hopes, and questions about death. It’s an opportunity for safe and open exchanges—along with tea and pastries!

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Mortality & Me: Green-Wood’s Book Club
2024-12-08 14:00 - 15:30
It can be difficult to engage in conversations about death: Will I say the wrong thing? Am I going to offend someone? Who wants to discuss morbid stuff anyway? Green-Wood’s book club, Mortality & Me, helps make death, dying, and end-of-life matters easier to talk about through compelling books that tackle these topics head on.

For this session we’ll be joined by Sweta Vikram, author of The Loss That Binds Us: 108 Tips on Coping with Grief and Loss.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

She’ll lead us in a discussion of her book, which aims to help readers navigate the multitude of emotions brought on by loss. If you are unable to read the book in its entirety, no fear—we’ll email you a .PDF of the content we will be focusing on in advance.

Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

Grieving and Weaving
2025-01-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-02-11 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-03-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-04-17 18:30 - 20:30
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, we’ll talk about the significance of handmade items in both our personal and collective histories. To hear about past attendees’ experiences, listen and/or read to this piece featured on NPR.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Beginners can join our knitting and crochet tutorial groups, while experienced crafters are encouraged to bring ongoing projects and mentor others. Feel free to bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Not a knitter? Not to worry, you can bring whatever other crafts you are working on.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where to go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA Compliant. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility for this program. Please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email events@green-wood.com.

Death Cafe
2025-01-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-02-19 18:30 - 20:00
Credit: Jothan Cashero

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 explore topics like burial vs. cremation, green burials, planning funerals and celebrations of life, or personal experiences with grief.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Event(see details below)

Join us in the Cemetery’s Modern Chapel to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions in a safe, welcoming space—over tea and pastries.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where to go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA Compliant. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility for this program. Please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email events@green-wood.com.

Silent Book Club of Death
2025-01-28 18:30 - 20:00
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. At the Silent Book Club of Death, we do things a little differently—reading books that surround themes of grief, loss, and mortality. There are only three chapters in the entire country and Green-Wood is proud to serve as one of the New York chapters’ venues.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Bring your own book or borrow one from our library. We will mingle before setting the timer to read, and once the hour’s up, death doula and illustrator Lauren Seeleywill lead a group discussion on these universal, yet challenging topics.

*Participation in discussion is entirely optional—you can engage as much or as little as you feel comfortable.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where to go: Check-in will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA Compliant. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility for this program. Please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email events@green-wood.com.

Artful Remembrance: A Creative Grief Workshop
2025-02-23 13:00 - 15:30
Join us for a reflective Sunday afternoon as we explore the intersections of grief and creativity with two of our grief literacy partners, Postal Service for the Dead and Life and Soul.

We invite you to honor those you’ve lost by creating collaged cards and typewritten letters at interactive art stations. This event offers the opportunity to explore art as a powerful tool for processing emotions in a supportive community setting.

Price: Free. Registration required.

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In-Person Event(see details below)

Along the way, we’ll discuss the importance of grief and how it can be expressed and channeled through creativity, whether for personal reflection or to be shared with others. You’ll also hear how our partner organizations incorporate this concept into their work. Come share, create, and celebrate the memories of those who remain close to your heart.

Presented in partnership with Postal Service For the Dead and with Death of the Party by Life & Soul.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where to go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Supplies will be available, but if you wish to bring your own materials, you are welcome to.

The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA Compliant. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility for this program. Please call 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or email events@green-wood.com.

Death Cafe
2025-03-27 18:30 - 20:00
Credit: Jothan Cashero

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 explore topics like burial vs. cremation, green burials, planning funerals and celebrations of life, or personal experiences with grief.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

Virtual EventA Zoom link will be in your confirmation email upon registration.

Join us on Zoom to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions in a safe, welcoming virtual space.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

Sunday in the Cemetery
2025-05-04 10:00 - 17:00
Credit: Jothan Cashero

Sunday in the Cemetery is a day-long exploration of mortality at Green-Wood. We invite you to candidly engage with grief and death through a compassionate, supportive lens. This free, open-house style event brings together leading experts for engaging talks, workshops, and guided tours that illuminate end-of-life care, funeral traditions, and memorial arts. Through personal stories and interactive experiences, discover community through shared human experiences and gain insights into how we can each live well and remember meaningfully.

Price: Free. Donations encouraged.

In-Person Event(see details below)

Before Reserving Your Spot, Please Note:

Registration: Advanced reservation is strongly recommended. We may reach capacity, potentially turning away late arrivals. While registration is recommended, it does not guarantee entry. Only one space may be reserved per person.

Location: Programs will take place at various locations and times throughout the day. Please check the schedule for details on your selected events.

Donation: Although programs are free, we invite each registrant to support Green-Wood’s ongoing death education initiatives through a voluntary contribution, enabling us to continue offering meaningful community programs throughout the year.

Accessibility: The Historic Chapel is a historic landmark structure and is not ADA Compliant. Access requires ascending and descending stairs. The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant, however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or events@green-wood.com.

A Little More About Safety: Walking tour routes cover hilly, grassy, and uneven terrain.This tour is not accessible for those using wheelchairs or other mobility aids and may be difficult for those with balance or other mobility issues. There is no place to sit down during the tour. We strongly encourage attendees to wear suitable footwear.

Movement for Grief

10:00am – 11:30amOutdoor Workshop, meets at the Modern Chapel

Begin your morning at Sunday in the Cemetery with guided movement meditation, setting a reflective tone for the conversations and workshops later in the day.

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Led by a teacher from ONEYOGAHOUSE, this gentle practice invites participants of all levels to connect with Green-Wood’s landscape through breathwork, mindful movement, and sound meditation. As we honor the intricate cycles of life and death, this meditative session will ground us in presence, preparing our hearts and minds for the profound explorations to follow.

Art in the Cemeteryscape

10:00am – 11:30amWalking Tour meets at the Gothic Arch

This interactive walking tour reimagines Green-Wood’s historic landscape as an open-air museum filled with soaring obelisks, intricately carved sculptures, and stately mausoleums.

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Guide Deborah Chi will lead you to uncover the rich artistry, symbolism, and evolving styles that characterize these memorials, while fostering meaningful conversations about how the emotions they evoke and what they reveal about human expression.

As we move through this evocative space, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on the cemetery as not just a place of rest, but as a profound gallery of artistic achievement where history, memory, and craftsmanship intertwine.

Deborah Chi is a tour guide whose focus is how art and storytelling can help foster human connection and social transformation.

Joanna Ebenstein Reading & Signing

12pm – 1:30pmBook Talk and Q&A Session meets in the Modern Chapel – Chapel A

Morbid Anatomy Founder & Creative Director Joanna Ebenstein joins the Sunday in the Cemetery celebrations with a reading from her most recent publication, Memento Mori: The Art of Contemplating Death to Live a Better Life, the cornerstone for Morbid Anatomy’s Memento Mori Fest activities, followed by a Q&A.

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Also visit Morbid Anatomy’s Library Pop-Up Table that will be open from 12pm-5pm. (12pm-5pm:, Modern Chapel Lobby). Visit the Morbid Anatomy pop-up throughout the day for a selection of books and object d’arte from our Library & Shop.

Natural Endings

12:00pm – 1:30pmLecture and Optional Walking Tour meets in the Modern Chapel – Chapel B

Around the world, people are answering the call to make our final farewell better for the planet. But with so many new methods, what are the best and “greenest” options?

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This program begins with a presentation by funeral director Amy Cunningham about the importance of eco-conscious funeral practices, exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional burial methods, and the emergence of environmentally friendly funeral rituals.

Green-Wood memorial counselors will discuss natural burial opportunities at the Cemetery to show you what green burial looks like right here in Brooklyn! After the session has concluded, there will be an optional walking tour to Cedar Dell, an area designated for natural burials.

Amy Cunningham is the founder and owner of Fitting Tribute Funeral Services in Brooklyn, NY, and serves the community through lectures on green burial, cremation, grief literacy and more.

Your End of Life Lineup

2:00pm – 3:30pmPanel Conversation in the Modern Chapel – Chapel A

This panel brings together four death-care professionals—a funeral director, a thanatologist, a death doula, and a chaplain—for an illuminating conversation on the professionals that make up your end-of-life lineup.

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Through both moderated and audience-fielded question and answer, these experts will unpack the emotional, spiritual, practical, and philosophical dimensions of death and dying. You’ll get an intimate glimpse into the complex rituals, personal journeys, difficult conversations, and profound transformations that surround life’s most universal transition.

Speakers:

Emma Acker is the founder of All’s Well Initiative and serves her community as a death doula for mainly unhoused individuals in New York.

Erica Hill is the owner of Sparrow Funeral home in Greenpoint and a licensed funeral director.

Matilda Garrido is a certified thanatologist with extensive experience working with the dying, families of the dying, and the bereaved.

Joo Young Hong is a board certified chaplain and the manager of Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital.

Navigating Pet Grief

2:00pm – 3:30pmPanel Conversation in the Modern Chapel – Chapel B

This panel brings together veterinary grief counselors, cremation specialists, and pet memorial experts to explore the emotional landscape of pet loss and the diverse options for honoring companion animals after death.

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You’ll gain insights into grief processing, cremation alternatives, memorial practices, and healing rituals that recognize the deep bonds between humans and their animal companions, along with support and practical guidance for moving through one of life’s most tender transitions.

Speakers:

Lauren Seeley is a death and grief doula for humans and animals, and serves as a death educator with special focus on LGBTQIA+ end-of-life care.

Jessica Fragola is the lead veterinarian and founder of Paws at Peace.

Jennifer Muldowney, funeral celebrant and founder of Muldowney Memorials, specializes in services for pets.

Grieving and Weaving

2:00pm – 5:00pmHands-on Workshop in the Historic Chapel

Join artist Mary Pat Klein for an afternoon of knitting and crocheting that explores creativity, contemplation, and healing through textile arts.

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Discover the therapeutic potential of tactile crafts in processing grief. All skill levels are welcome;tutorials are available for beginners and experienced crafters of any medium may work on their new or ongoing projects. A limited number of materials for crafting will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mary Pat Klein is a renowned yarn craftsperson whose work has been part of Oscar-nominated costume design teams, and has been featured on Broadway and television.

Sacred Grounds: Cemetery Sips & Stories

4:00pm – 5:00pmMeet and Greet in the Modern Chapel – Chapels A & B

At this intimate and informal gathering Green-Wood’s gravediggers, crematory operators, memorial counselors, local death-care-industry professionals, and community members will join us for candid and supportive conversations about death work. While mingling over light refreshments, you’ll have unprecedented access to the professionals who quietly steward our final transitions and work to demystify death care.

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Wings Over Green-Wood
2025-06-07 15:30 - 19:30
Credit: Evan Rabeck

Join us for an enchanting evening celebrating the vibrant birdlife of Green-Wood and the symbolic connections between birds and the Cemetery’s historic landscape.

The program will begin with a panel discussion with Emily Hayflick, Green-Wood’s inaugural History Fellow, and other experts examining the symbolism of birds in mourning practices from the Victorian era to today.

Price: Free, registration required.

In-Person Event(see details below)

Then, settle in for a film screening curated by Green-Wood’s current Artists in Residence, Shanzhai Lyric. Their selections focus on the poetics and politics of parrots, which they’ve called “the original mimicry artists.”

Before Reserving Your Spot, Please Note:

Tickets: There is no need to print tickets! Attendees will be checked in by name.

Where To Go: Check-in takes place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant, however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or events@green-wood.com.

Birds in Mourning: Symbolism,Ritual, and Remembrance

Saturday, June 7, 3:30 – 5pmLocation: Modern Chapel

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Credit: Evan Rabeck

From the gentle dove to the mysterious raven, birds have carried powerful symbolic meaning in grief and mourning traditions. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras in the United States, bird imagery adorned funeral rites, floral arrangements, and even elegant taxidermy displays, showcasing profound connections between nature and remembrance.

Join Emily Hayflick, Green-Wood’s inaugural History Fellow, as she shares her research on how the Cemetery has evolved as both a sacred place of mourning and a vibrant destination for leisure—and the role played by birds and birding along the way. Experience a riveting discussion as Emily is joined by a panel of experts who will explore the connections between mourning traditions and the natural world.

Panelists include:

Divya Anantharaman is an artist, taxidermist, and educator whose practice specializes in birds. Their award-winning work centers reverence and compassion, and seeks to combine the demonstrative aspect of scientific presentation with the symbolic, introspective nature of art. You can learn more at Gotham Taxidermy.

Allison C. Meier is a writer, editor, and researcher on art, culture, and history. She is the author of Grave and regularly leads tours at The Green-Wood Cemetery, including ones highlighting symbolism and nature.

Jenny Monick spent 30 years as a visual artist, writer, and educator. She now works around the edges of wildlife rehabilitation, end of life care, community science, and architectural preservation.

Free, registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to The Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more programs like this throughout the year.

I Speak, Therefore I Am: Parrots in Film

Saturday, June 7, 5:30-7:30pmLocation: Modern Chapel

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From lush jungle canopies to the stone spires of Green-Wood, parrots have journeyed across oceans and centuries, tracing the path of human ambition and desire. These loud-voiced mimics—once pirate companions and symbols of imperial power—now forge surprising lives in our cityscapes, their calls both strange and familiar.

Join Shanzhai Lyric, Green-Wood’s 2025 Artist in Residence, for a film program exploring the intricate, evolving relationship between humans and parrots. Through experimental documentary and poetic visual essays, we’ll reflect on how these creatures—masters of mimicry yet undeniably their own—challenge us to rethink ideas of home, communication, and freedom.

About the artists:

The poetic inquiry of Shanzhai Lyric uses the concept of “shanzhai”—the Chinese term for counterfeit—as a framework through which to reconsider notions of ownership and property. Its stewards, Ming Lin and Alex Tatarsky, both born and raised in New York, draw inspiration from their Lower Manhattan neighborhood, particularly the immigrant community of street vendors, small business owners, and artists around Canal Street, the city’s hub for counterfeit goods. Circulating an archive of over 400 shanzhai poetry-garments, Shanzhai Lyric engages with global production schemes by considering the politics and poetics of the bootleg garment. Their residency focuses on Green-Wood’s colony of monk parakeets who are celebrated for their unique place in the city’s ecosystem, and whom they’ve called “the original mimicry artists.”

Shanzhai Lyric have previously exhibited their work in national and international institutions, including MoMA PS1; Henry Moore Institute; and Times Museum, among others. Shanzhai Lyric’s practice has been supported by numerous residencies, including the LES Studio Program at Cuchifritos, Canal Projects, and Cité des arts.

Films Include:

Yma Sumac: Chuncho (1953) 3:36

Dubbed the Peruvian Songbird, Yma Sumac is said to have acquired her incredible vocal range by imitating the birds of the Andean mountains. Here, she sings alongside them.

The Great Silence (2017) 16:00

The site of the Arecibo Observatory is home to the last remaining, critically endangered Puerto Rican parrots. This film by artists Allora & Calzadilla, in collaboration with science fiction author Ted Chiang, explores translation as a device to trace the slippery space between the human and non-human.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill (2005) 1:23

An unemployed musician cares for the community of wild parrots that reside just outside his home. When the neighborhood begins to upscale, and displacement from his rent-free cabin becomes imminent, he both fears the parrots’ fate and finds solace among them—leading him to question the limits of human freedom.

Free, registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to The Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more programs like this throughout the year.
