Spend "A Sunday in the Cemetery" with Green-Wood

For those looking to fend off the “Sunday scaries,” a cemetery might not be the first place that comes to mind—but Green-Wood is the perfect place to begin your week with intention, reflection, and community. On Sunday, May 4th, from 10:00am to 5:00pm, The Green-Wood Cemetery invites the public to Sunday in the Cemetery—a free, day-long event focused on an open-hearted exploration of grief, death, and remembrance.

Bringing together end-of-life professionals, artists, caregivers, and community members, Sunday in the Cemetery fosters candid, compassionate conversation about mortality. The event includes expert-led talks, interactive workshops, guided tours, and opportunities to connect with other attendees and Green-Wood Staff. All programs are open to the public, with the option to attend individual sessions or the full day of programming. Advanced registration is strongly encouraged.

“Too often, conversations about death are avoided or feared,” said Harry Weil, vice president of education and public programs at Green-Wood. “Sunday in the Cemetery invites our neighbors to come together, reflect, learn, and recharge in a welcoming space. Exploring these topics openly can help us to live more meaningfully.”

● Movement for Grief: Begin Sunday at the Cemetery with a morning meditation and movement session offered by ONEYOGAHOUSE to ground the day in presence and breath.

● Art in the Cemeteryscape: A walking tour revealing Green-Wood’s historic monuments as artistic expressions of memory and mourning.

● Joanna Ebenstein Book Talk: A reading and Q&A with the founder of Morbid Anatomy, exploring how contemplating death can enrich life.

● Natural Endings: A presentation on eco-friendly funeral practices, with insights from funeral director Amy Cunningham and Green-Wood’s team.

● Your End-of-Life Lineup: A panel with a funeral director, chaplain, death doula, and thanatologist unpacking death care from every angle.

● Navigating Pet Grief: A conversation on honoring our animal companions and finding healing after loss.

● Grieving & Weaving: A hands-on textile arts workshop offering creativity as a channel for healing.

● Cemetery Sips & Stories: A closing hour of light refreshments and meaningful conversation with local professionals and caregivers—including Green-Wood staff!

To explore the full schedule or reserve your spot, visit Green-Wood’s website.

Accessibility & Visitor Information

This is an in-person event across various locations in the Cemetery. Some locations are not fully ADA accessible, and walking tours may involve uneven terrain. Visitors are encouraged to reach out ahead of time with questions or needs at events@green-wood.com or 718-210-3080 ext. 1.

Green-Wood is accessible by public transport and is conveniently located one block from the 25th Street R Train station in Brooklyn. On-site parking is available.

Established in 1838, The Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, is recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries. As the permanent residence of over 570,000 individuals, Green-Wood’s magnificent grounds, grand architecture, and world-class statuary have made it a destination for half a million visitors annually, including national and international tourists, New Yorkers, and Brooklynites. At the same time, Green-Wood is also an outdoor museum, an arboretum, and a repository of history. Throughout the year, it offers innovative programs in arts and culture, nature and the environment, education, workforce development, restoration, research, and bold initiatives in climate resiliency and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.green-wood.com.