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 ambience. Arm yourself with a flashlight to explore the cemetery’s stunning landscape as the sun sets over the horizon. On this walking tour, you’ll visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American culture, ending at our famous catacombs, which are normally closed to the public. Please bring a flashlight to light your way. Comfortable footwear is recommended.

Event Series Green-Wood in an Hour

Green-Wood in an Hour

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Don’t have a lot of time? These new tours are perfect for you. Because Green-Wood is an immense place, and a visit to our grounds can sometimes be overwhelming. What to see? Where to walk? That’s why we’ve created these short but power packed tours that give you a fascinating look at a single aspect of Green-Wood. On the third Friday of every month, one of our expert staff members will take you behind the scenes for rare insights into this historic cemetery. And after sixty minutes, you’re on your way!

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience 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.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Gardens of Stone: Book Talk and Panel

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

New York City is famous for many things - hot dogs, the Empire State Building, pigeons. And add to that list cemeteries. Author and funeral director Alexandra Kathryn Mosca leads us on an armchair tour of cemeteries both large and small (and we are talking really small) throughout the five boroughs. Her new book, Gardens of Stone, explores how memorials and monuments help to tell the tale of New York City, from its humble beginnings to its emergence as a world capital. She will be joined by John Rousmaniere, who has compiled an illustrated history of Evergreens Cemetery (which straddles Brooklyn and Queens), titled Green Oasis in Brooklyn, and Richard L. Simpson, who recently published a book on Staten Island's Moravian Cemetery.

Over There! Green-Wood and World War I Trolley Tour

April marks the 100th anniversary of United States' entry into World War I. Our trolley tour pays homage to the many laid to rest at Green-Wood who served in this war intended to end all wars. We will visit the graves of wealthy heiresses Dorothy and Gladys Cromwell whose dramatic double suicide captured the attention of the nation; reconnaissance pilot Lieutenant Kenneth Culbert shot down over enemy lines; and ace bomber pilot First Lieutenant John Cowperthwaite Tyler, amongst others. Along the way, we will read from letters these men and women detailing their heroic exploits, as well as discuss how our dedicated team of volunteers have identified these individuals and where they are interred.

(Sold Out) Dead Distillers Trolley Tour

Green-Wood is teaming with our friends at Kings County Distillery to delve into the past and present of distilling, Brooklyn style. The afternoon kicks off with a trolley tour of the cemetery's permanent residents with whiskey connections, including the only casualty in the contentious Whiskey Wars of the mid-1800s. Afterward, the trolley will head to Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to explore how whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting of four of their of their delectable products (which they have been producing since 2010).

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience 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.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

The Future of the Funeral

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Funerals may be as old as mankind, but they are continually evolving to meet the needs and demands of a changing world. Join Amy Cunningham, funeral director and death educator, to explore everything from home funeral options to simple cremation services to "green" burials. The most modern and recent technologies will also be presented. She will provide her insights and answer common questions like, "What if my deceased partner/spouse is of a different faith tradition or cultural background?", "How much direction can I give to celebrants and clergy or to friends and family?", "Is it possible to host my own funeral before I go?" In the course of this friendly hour, you'll get a glimpse of what a funeral can be - and you'll leave with comforting ideas and inspiration for yourself or someone you love.

Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Green-Wood and Creative Time partner to present Sophie Calle's site-specific installation "Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery". Visitors are invited to transcribe their most intimate secrets onto paper and lay them to rest in a grave designed by the artist.

During the debut weekend, visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring the sculptures and monuments throughout Green-Wood, a tradition that dates back to the early 1800s. Free maps of the cemetery, specially made to accompany Calle's installation, will be available. Also guided walking tours, with an emphasis on symbols and iconography, will be offered at no cost.

Event Series Historic Trolley Tour

Historic Trolley Tour

Experience 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.

Each tour boasts great views, beautiful monuments throughout, rolling hills, century-old trees and stories of the fascinating persons interred at Green-Wood. Please note: all tours include a visit to Green-Wood's Historic Chapel and to Battle Hill.

Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery

Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United States

Green-Wood and Creative Time partner to present Sophie Calle's site-specific installation "Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery". Visitors are invited to transcribe their most intimate secrets onto paper and lay them to rest in a grave designed by the artist.

During the debut weekend, visitors are encouraged to spend the day exploring the sculptures and monuments throughout Green-Wood, a tradition that dates back to the early 1800s. Free maps of the cemetery, specially made to accompany Calle's installation, will be available. Also guided walking tours, with an emphasis on symbols and iconography, will be offered at no cost.

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.