Photography’s Pioneers
A year after Green-Wood was founded in 1838, Louis Daguerre introduced the world to his latest invention, photography. Join Jeff Richman, Green-Wood's historian, on a first-ever tour of the pioneers of photography who are now permanent residents of the cemetery. You will discover a fascinating world of innovators and inventors, including Francois Gouraud, the agent Daguerre sent to America to introduce his revolutionary creation; John Draper whose gravestone incorrectly states that he was the first person to photograph a human face in America and his son Henry, who pioneered photographs of the moon; Edward Anthony, the largest publisher (with his brother Henry) of Civil War images; and Alexander Becker, the man who invented a machine that allowed people to travel the world in 3D from the comfort of their parlors; and many more.
(Sold Out) Dead Distillers Trolley Tour
Green-Wood is teaming up with our friends at Kings County Distillery to delve into the storied past of distilling in Brooklyn. The afternoon kicks off with a trolley tour of the cemetery’s “permanent residents” with whiskey connections, including the one and only casualty of the Brooklyn Whiskey Wars of the late 1860s and early 1870s. Afterward, the trolley will head to Kings County Distillery in the Brooklyn Navy Yard where visitors will see first-hand how whiskey is made and enjoy a tasting of four delectable varieties.
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 atmosphere. Arm yourself with a flashlight to explore the cemetery's stunning landscape as the sun fades over the horizon. The tours ends with a visit to the catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.
Historic Trolley Tours
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesExperience 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.
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 atmosphere. Arm yourself with a flashlight to explore the cemetery's stunning landscape as the sun fades over the horizon. The tours ends with a visit to the catacombs, which are normally closed to the public.
Death Café
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe Death Café is inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café), an informal gathering to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought this concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood’s intention was to provide an opportunity to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” Today, there are over 4,400 Death Cafes in 26 countries around the world.
Deep Diving: Green-Wood’s Cultural Landscape Report with Faye Harwell
Faye Harwell, founding partner of Rhodeside and Harwell in Arlington, Va., directed an impressive team of landscape designers, historians, arborists, architectural historians, and hydrologists in retracing the history and unique character of Green-Wood's landscape. By examining thousands of historic records and archival documents and by meticulously studying the landscape itself, Harwell and her team have created an 800-page, two-volume Cultural Landscape Report. The massive tome, which follows the guidelines set forth by the US Department of the Interior, is an invaluable resource for the cemetery. Get the Reader's Digest version in this lively one-hour presentation that will help you become an expert on Green-Wood too. The firm of Rhodeside and Harwell has worked with pre-eminent, historic landscapes around the world, including the Gettysburg Battlefield and the White House.
Death Café
Green-Wood Cemetery 500 25th Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe Death Café is inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café), an informal gathering to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought this concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood’s intention was to provide an opportunity to “increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives.” Today, there are over 4,400 Death Cafes in 26 countries around the world.
Architecture at Green-Wood
Green-Wood is home to a spectacular collection of 19th-century architectural gems by some of the most famed architects in American history. Designing works to immortalize their patrons, many –including James Renwick, Jacob Wrey Mould, and Gamaliel King, among others – have also established their own permanent residences here. This trolley tour explores the critical role architects have played in transforming the landscapes of not only Green-Wood, but New York City.
Artist Walk: Discovering Trees and Stones
There is no better way to enjoy the impressive array of fall foliage than by exploring New York City’s best kept greenspace. Beginning at the Fort Hamilton Gate House, artist Matthew Jensen will guide visitors on three-hour walks to discover Green-Wood’s rich collection of majestic trees and historic monuments. Jensen will be accompanied on each walk by a member of Green-Wood’s staff who will share their own behind-the-scenes experience and knowledge of the cemetery. No walk will be the same; come once, twice or three times for unexpected encounters!
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.
