1 p.m. Bannerman Castle: The Medieval Ruins of Hudson Valley
For generations, boat and train passengers have been mystified by the sight of castle-like structures looming on an island in the Hudson River. Join Wes and Barbara Gottlock, authors of a book on the subject and tour guides of the island, as they detail the history of this remarkable site, dating back to 1900 when the land was purchased by Brooklyn resident Francis Bannerman (now buried at Green-Wood) for the storage of military goods which he sold through a world famous Civil War-era catalog. With extensive research and stunning photographs, the Gottlocks will cover the island’s rise as a glorious landmark and its eventual decline – plus the recent calls for preservation and restoration. Buy a book and have it signed, then board the Green-Wood trolley for a short tour, including a stop at the Bannerman family plot.
1 p.m. Restoring Glory to Creighton
James Creighton was baseball’s first megastar. Revolutionizing the pitcher’s role and changing the game forever, his shocking death at the age of 21 made him baseball’s first martyr. Buried at Green-Wood in 1862, Creighton’s grave quickly took its place in the pantheon of baseball meccas – his obelisk, topped with an iconic lemon-peel baseball (in marble), became a place of pilgrimage. However, that charming marble baseball disappeared long ago. Now, thanks to the work of Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman, baseball historian Tom Gilbert and an impressive lineup of loyal baseball fans, the marble top is back. Join us on our trolley as we drive out to Jim Creighton’s final resting place--with a guided tour by Richman and Gilbert of baseball sites along the way--for a celebration of this 19th-century phenom and the rededication of his monument.
1 p.m. Designing Green-Wood: New York’s First Rural Greenspace
Green-Wood owes much of its splendor to the genius of its original designer - landscape architect David Bates Douglass. The twists and turns of Green-Wood's 40 miles of pathways purposefully create visual surprises around each bend. In 1838, Douglass eschewed the long vistas of unobstructed open space, in favor of rolling hills and meandering, serpentine walkways.
Join Superintendent of Grounds, Art Presson, in Green-Wood's Historic Chapel for a talk on David Bates Douglass's intent and original design. Then board the trolley for a tour of what's changed, what's stayed the same, and how the Green-Wood landscape has evolved over 175 years.
(Sold Out) 1 p.m. 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. Green-Wood offers complimentary hot chocolate on tours all winter!
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.
2 p.m. Honoring Fearless Flo
We celebrate the life and career of Florence LaBadie, a young silent film sensation in the early 20th-century. Appearing in over 180 films over the course of her short life, LaBadie was a stunningly beautiful actress who enjoyed tremendous fame in her day. A tragic car accident in 1928 cut her life short at the age of 28, and she was buried at Green-Wood shortly thereafter. Mysteriously, neither a gravestone nor a monument was ever placed at her burial site and her resting place has remained unmarked for nearly a century. Now, with the help of Green-Wood, Ned Thanhouser and Thanhouser Company Film Preservation, loyal LaBadie fans and film historians, “Fearless Flo” will finally receive a proper grave marker. Join us on LaBadie’s birthday for a dedication ceremony at her final resting place, featuring music and speeches. A reception will follow in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel.
(Sold Out) 1 p.m. Great Architects of Green-Wood Walking Tour with Francis Morrone
Join architectural historian and expert tour guide Francis Morrone as he leads a special architecturally themed walking tour of Green-Wood. The cemetery’s 478 acres boasts not simply a stunning landscape, but also world-class art and architecture. And with such a vast array of good design, it’s no surprise that many famed architects also chose Green-Wood as their final resting place. In addition to discussing some of Green-Wood's notable structures, such as the main gothic arches by Richard M. Upjohn and the chapel by Warren & Wetmore (the architects behind Grand Central), Morrone will point out the sites of the many prominent architects who are buried at Green-Wood – like James Renwick Jr., cast-iron king James Bogardus, Central Park contributor Jacob Wrey Mould and more. You will learn of their fascinating lives, fruitful careers, and influence in the architecture arena. Morrone was named, by Travel + Leisure magazine, one of the 13 best tour guides in the world and this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the only tour Morrone has ever led in Green-Wood.
1 p.m. The Azaleas and Dogwoods of Green-Wood Trolley Tour
Do not attempt to adjust your dials – our spring colors really are that vibrant! Green-Wood’s Superintendent of Grounds and resident expert in all things green (and pink, yellow, white and purple), Art Presson will dazzle you with the extraordinary beauty of the spring blooms at Green-Wood.
Whether you’re the kind of person who sees white blooms and says “that’s a Cornus florida flowering dogwood!” or you’re more the “that’s pretty—I wonder what it’s called” kind of person, this tour will be a visual extravaganza. With over 8,000 trees across 478 acres, Green-Wood is one of the most beautiful places in all of New York City.
(Sold Out) 1 p.m. 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. Green-Wood offers complimentary hot chocolate on tours all winter!
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.
(Sold Out) 1 p.m. Mausoleums: Little-Known Works of Great Architects Trolley Tour
There are over 700 mausoleums dotting the Green-Wood landscape, and although they are much smaller in scale than the great buildings of New York, they are not lacking for architectural significance and merit. Scores of prominent New Yorkers are buried in Green-Wood, and their final resting places are no less opulent than their residences were during their lives. And many times, the same architects who were designing impressive homes in New York City were also turning to Green-Wood to build within these 478 acres. Join expert tour guide Ruth Edebohls for a look at the fabulous architectural designs hidden within Green-Wood’s rolling hills. You’ll visit structures by Ernest Flagg, Richard Upjohn and Son, Stanford White and more.
(Sold Out) 7:30 p.m. Twilight Tour and Catacomb Cocktails
There are few places more atmospheric than a cemetery at dusk – and Green-Wood is top notch when it comes to beauty and atmosphere. So take a walk on the wild side during this special event that will lead you on a twilight tour of the expansive grounds. As the sun sets on 478 spectacular acres, you’ll stroll through stunning landscapes and visit the graves of fascinating figures in New York and American culture.
After the walking tour, enjoy drinks and light refreshments amidst the art and greenery. The catacombs will be open for the reception, so you can wander by torchlight, sip your drink, and visit the opulent indoor resting places of Green-Wood.
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.
