Death Education
Free programs on death, dying, and remembrance
If a cemetery isn’t the perfect setting for a conversation about death, what is?
It doesn’t often come up too often in small talk—it’s one of the last great taboos. Here at Green-Wood, we aim to change that. Our free public programs in death education demystify a wide range of topics relating to end of life. Scroll down for upcoming programs.
What is death education? It’s an umbrella term for studies and activities that facilitate the understanding and acceptance of death. In short, it’s all about getting comfortable with the uncomfortable universal truth of dying. It can incorporate understanding everyday practices like funerals and cremation, or exploring historical and cultural approaches to death. At Green-Wood we offer practical programs in death preparedness (including workshops on grief), lectures by academic experts in the death-positive field, programs that examine death through the lens of different cultures, and Death Cafes (informal, guided conversations about death).
Green-Wood’s death education programs are curated by Gabrielle Gatto, coordinator of public programs. She holds a certificate in Thanatology from The Open Center and is a graduate of the Going with Grace End of Life Training program with Alua Arthur.
Death, Grief, & Music with Ghost Stories Podcast & The Bad Light
Join the captivating hosts of the Ghost Stories podcast, Sashka Rothchild and Dr. Victoria Sterkin, along with The Bad Light—a band destined to perform in a cemetery—for an unforgettable musical experience ruminating on death, dying, grief, and the creative process. Set in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel, the band will play through their latest album, GOODBYE. Rothchild and Sterkin ... Read more
Death Cafe in Spanish
El Café de la Muerte en Español The Death Cafe is inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or cafe), an informal gathering to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood applied this concept to discussions of the most universal topic of all: death. Underwood’s intention was to provide an opportunity ... Read more
Live After Death: Ben Wasserman
Within the span of three years, comedian Ben Wasserman lost his dad, granddad, uncle, and four friends. In his new show Live After Death, Wasserman blends comedy, clowning, and crowd work as he leads the audience on a hilarious yet moving journey through grief, honoring and celebrating the ones we've lost along the way. Expect vulnerable ... Read more
Live After Death: Ben Wasserman
Within the span of three years, comedian Ben Wasserman lost his dad, granddad, uncle, and four friends. In his new show Live After Death, Wasserman blends comedy, clowning, and crowd work as he leads the audience on a hilarious yet moving journey through grief, honoring and celebrating the ones we've lost along the way. Expect vulnerable ... Read more
Live After Death: Ben Wasserman
Within the span of three years, comedian Ben Wasserman lost his dad, granddad, uncle, and four friends. In his new show Live After Death, Wasserman blends comedy, clowning, and crowd work as he leads the audience on a hilarious yet moving journey through grief, honoring and celebrating the ones we've lost along the way. Expect vulnerable ... Read more
Live After Death: Ben Wasserman
Within the span of three years, comedian Ben Wasserman lost his dad, granddad, uncle, and four friends. In his new show Live After Death, Wasserman blends comedy, clowning, and crowd work as he leads the audience on a hilarious yet moving journey through grief, honoring and celebrating the ones we've lost along the way. Expect vulnerable ... Read more
Day of the Dead Family Celebration
Rain date November 2, 2023 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. Celebrated throughout Latin America from October 31st to November 2nd, this holiday is a time for family and friends to commemorate departed loved ones ... 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
Grief Artlab Workshop + Daffodil Bulb Plantings
For centuries, the ritual burning of paper items as offerings to the dead has been an integral part of Chinese funerary culture. Inspired by this age-old tradition, artist Mary Ting leads a workshop centering on grief and creative expression. Participants are invited to write letters to, share stories of, and craft paper objects for their deceased loved ... Read more
