When The Stars Come Out

Richard Anthony Proctor (1837-1888), born in England, attended college, then became an accountant. However, he soon developed an interest in astronomy, reading, then writing, about it. He became a prominent astronomer, researching, writing and lecturing. Between 1873 and 1884 he toured Great Britain, its colonies, and the United States on lecture tours. In 1880, while on … Read more

“Cemeteries Hold Parties to Die For”

Last week’s the headline on the front page of the Wall Street Journal told the story: “To Attract Future Customers, Cemeteries Hold Parties to Die For” Graveyards Plan Concerts, Sky-Diving, Clowns; ‘Meet Us Before You Need Us This was an interesting piece, and not just because I was quoted in it, though that doesn’t hurt. … Read more

GREEN-WOOD HISTORIC FUND PROUDLY PRESENTS FALL/WINTER 2010 EVENT SCHEDULE

** REQUEST FOR CALENDAR LISTING ** GREEN-WOOD HISTORIC FUND PROUDLY PRESENTS FALL/WINTER 2010 EVENT SCHEDULE An exciting array of historic walking tours, trolley tours and events make up the Green-Wood Historic Fund’s 2010 fall/winter schedule. These outdoor activities are part of an ongoing series of cultural and educational events that highlight Green-Wood Cemetery as an … Read more

Still Remembered and Honored

Of the more than half a million interred at Green-Wood Cemetery, few are remembered. Many died long ago, and their families and friends are long gone. So it is always comforting to learn of one person, here and there, who is remembered. Such an individual is William J. Florence (1831-1891), one of 19th century America’s great actors.

The Assassination of Mayor William J. Gaynor

One hundred years ago today, August 9, New York City’s Mayor William J. Gaynor was about to embark on a well-earned vacation cruise when he was shot by a New York City watchman who recently had been fired from his job. Here’s the dramatic photograph of Gaynor’s wounding, taken just seconds after a shot had … Read more

August Birthdays

In celebrating some of Green-Wood’s most inspiring, influential and infamous permanent residents, the Green-Wood Historic Fund is putting the August Birthday spotlight on some fascinating people who helped changed the American political, cultural and scientific landscape of the 19th and 20th centuries. Key among the Green-Wood residents whose birthdays fall in August are 19th century … Read more

Murdered in Iraq

On September 10, 2001, Steven Vincent was an art critic, living in the East Village. But the next day, September 11, the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked, and the world changed. And so did Steven’s world. Steven decided that he had a new calling in life: he would go to Iraq to … Read more