“Sunday In The Cemetery” Returns At Green-Wood: A Day Of Programs On Death, Loss, And Remembrance

Brooklyn, NY — Following the success of its inaugural event this spring, The Green-Wood Cemetery invites community members to return for Sunday in the Cemetery, a free, day-long experience centered on open-hearted exploration of grief, death, and remembrance. On Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Green-Wood will once again bring together end-of-life professionals, artists, caregivers, and community voices for a full day of programming that demystifies death care and makes space for reflection and connection.

The winter edition of Sunday in the Cemetery includes expert-led talks, interactive workshops, and moments for conversation and community. All sessions are free and open to the public, with the option to attend individual sessions or spend the full afternoon at Green-Wood. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.

"After our first Sunday in the Cemetery resonated so deeply with the community, we're excited to bring back this experience in December," said Harry Weil, Vice President of Education and Public Programs at Green-Wood. "We know the holiday season can amplify feelings of loss and absence. Sunday in the Cemetery offers a gentle space to pause, reflect, and find comfort alongside others who understand what it means to carry grief during a time that's supposed to feel joyful. No one should have to navigate these emotions alone."

The day’s program will include:

• What Do I Doula? — Hear from death and grief doulas on the ways in which they provide compassionate support during life’s most challenging transitions.
• A Final Contribution — Learn the how and why of body donation to science from experts in medical ethics, anatomy, and end-of-life planning
• Grieving and Weaving — Explore creativity, contemplation, and healing with an afternoon of knitting and crocheting.
• Writing about Grief — Hear from writers who center grief in their work to explore how the act of creation serves as both a pathway through mourning and a means of connection.
• Sibling Loss — Explore the profound complexity of grieving a sibling and how that loss shapes identity, memory, and family dynamics throughout one’s life.
• Too Poor To Die — Join Amy Shea, author of Too Poor to Die: The Hidden Realities of Dying in the Margins, for a conversation on the politics and power of memorialization.
• Everything You Were Dying to Know about NY State Cemeteries — Learn how Cemeteries operate and are managed from the New York State Division of Cemeteries.

The day concludes with an informal gathering—Sacred Grounds: Sips & Stories—where attendees, deathcare professionals, facilitators, and Green-Wood staff can mingle over light refreshments, share stories, ask questions, and connect in community.

The first Sunday in the Cemetery, held in May 2025, drew hundreds of attendees and sparked thoughtful discussions about death, life, and the ways that New Yorkers can come together to support one another in both.

To explore the full schedule or reserve your spot, visit the event page at green-wood.com.
Accessibility & Visitor Information

This is an in-person event across various locations in the Cemetery. Some locations may not be fully ADA accessible, and walking routes 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.

About Green-Wood: 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, and research, as well as bold initiatives in climate resiliency and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.green-wood.com.