• Death Café

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

    The Death Café is a simple concept. It was inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café) where people gathered informally to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought the 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 1,500 death cafes in 26 countries around the world.

    Beginning in January 2017, Green-Wood is proud to host monthly gatherings of the Death Café here in our beautiful, modern chapel. Amy Cunningham, death educator and creator of the Brooklyn-based blog TheInspiredFuneral.com, invites participants to share their thoughts and feelings on death. It's an opportunity for safe and open exchanges, without an agenda. Coffee and light snacks are provided.

  • (Sold Out) Black in 19th-Century Brooklyn

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

    In 1838, just eleven years after New York State abolished slavery, a free black man named James Weeks made his first purchase of land in Brooklyn. Weeksville, named after Weeks, would become one of America's largest free Black communities prior to the Civil War. In the same year, Green-Wood Cemetery was established. What do they have in common? Both honor the lives of African Americans who lived in Brooklyn and who made their mark on the city's past and future. Nearly two hundred years later, Green-Wood and Weeksville Heritage Center join together to celebrate and recognize their shared history by welcoming you to a very special Saturday afternoon.

  • 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.

  • Death Café

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

    The Death Café is a simple concept. It was inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café) where people gathered informally to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought the 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 1,500 death cafes in 26 countries around the world.

    Beginning in January 2017, Green-Wood is proud to host monthly gatherings of the Death Café here in our beautiful, modern chapel. Amy Cunningham, death educator and creator of the Brooklyn-based blog TheInspiredFuneral.com, invites participants to share their thoughts and feelings on death. It's an opportunity for safe and open exchanges, without an agenda. Coffee and light snacks are provided.

  • Cremation: History and Modern Process

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

    What is cremation? How long have we been doing it, and how does it work? Amy Cunningham, death educator, leads this presentation of cremation's history (from its origins 32,000 years ago in Australia) and its impact on present-day and future funerals. This engaging and sometimes even light-hearted exploration will also touch on how to choose an end-of-life mode of disposition that expresses your own beliefs and values. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to visit the crematory with Gema LaBoccetta, Green-Wood's Crematory Manager, then chat with Amy and other attendees at a short reception.

  • Death Café

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

    The Death Café is a simple concept. It was inspired by the centuries-old European salon (or café) where people gathered informally to discuss philosophical, political or scientific ideas. In 2011, British entrepreneur Jon Underwood brought the 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 1,500 death cafes in 26 countries around the world.

    Beginning in January 2017, Green-Wood is proud to host monthly gatherings of the Death Café here in our beautiful, modern chapel. Amy Cunningham, death educator and creator of the Brooklyn-based blog TheInspiredFuneral.com, invites participants to share their thoughts and feelings on death. It's an opportunity for safe and open exchanges, without an agenda. Coffee and light snacks are provided.

  • When The Bell Tolls

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

    Are we ever really ready for the time when the bell tolls? If we’re open to talking about it, we might be a least a little more prepared. This panel – an official 2016 Brooklyn Book Festival Event – will explore the complex relationship between death, dying, and the hereafter, and how any such understanding is shaped by the meaning we give to our own lives. It’s heavy stuff, but our guest presenters will guide you through with wisdom, direction and even a sense of humor. Presenters include Dale Allison (Night Comes, published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), Amy Cunningham (blogger at The Inspired Funeral and founder of Fitting Tribute Funeral Services), and Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin (Near-Death Experiences: Understanding Visions of the Afterlife, published by Oxford University Press).

  • The 240th Commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn

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

    The Battle of Brooklyn, fought in 1776 on land that is now a part of Green-Wood, was the first battle of the American Revolution to be waged after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn, Green-Wood hosts a day of free commemoration ceremonies and 18th-century living. See parades, cannon fire, horses, re-enactments and historic cooking. Living history events and activities will offer kids a real feel for life during the American Revolution. This is a great event for kids and families!

  • Honoring Basquait

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

    Join us for a walk to the monument of Jean-Michel Basquiat. The bucolic cemetery is an oasis in urban Brooklyn, and Basquiat’s gravesite is a popular place for fans and artists to commemorate his life and give their thanks for his short but brilliant career. A tour to the site will be led by arts journalist and tour guide Allison Meier.

  • (Sold Out) The Great American Casket Company

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

    What is it that makes a good life? And a good death? The Great American Casket Company would like you to believe that they have the answers – but do they? Does anyone? Explore for yourself on this roving, immersive theater experience that uses Green-Wood’s historic landscape as a central, and essential, character. As the sun sets on 478 acres, you’ll be led down a performance rabbit hole, written exclusively for Green-Wood by BREAD Arts Collective. You’ll become a part of the show, too, as you respond and interact to what’s happening around you. By the end of your journey, you may have come to some conclusions about life’s big mysteries. Or perhaps, as is so often the case, your experience may simply raise more questions. Either way, your time with the Great American Casket Company is sure to leave a lasting impression.

government sponsor logos
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.