Green-Wood Cemetery is bringing back its community-wide gathering Sunday in the Cemetery on Dec. 7, a free, day-long program that invites neighbors to explore grief, death and remembrance through open, accessible conversations.
The winter edition, from from 10:00am to 6:00pm, pulls together end-of-life practitioners, artists, writers, caregivers, and local voices for a full slate of talks, hands-on workshops and community moments.
"We know the holiday season can amplify feelings of loss and absence," said Harry Weil, vice president of Education and Public Programs at Green-Wood. "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."
Attendees can drop in for individual sessions or stay for the full experience. All programming is free and early registration is encouraged.
Highlights of the day include:
What Do I Doula?
An introduction to the work of death and grief doulas and how they guide families through life’s hardest transitions.
A Final Contribution
A clear look at body donation to science, featuring experts in ethics, anatomy and end-of-life planning.
Grieving and Weaving
An afternoon of knitting and crocheting centered on creativity, contemplation and healing.
Writing About Grief
Writers discuss how creating art can open pathways through mourning and build connection.
Sibling Loss
A conversation on the lasting impact of losing a sibling and how it shapes memory, identity and family life.
Too Poor to Die
Author Amy Shea leads a discussion on economic inequity in deathcare and the politics of who gets memorialized.
Everything You Were Dying to Know about NY State Cemeteries
A practical session on how cemetery systems operate, presented by the New York State Division of Cemeteries.
The day wraps with Sacred Grounds: Sips & Stories, an informal community gathering with refreshments, where participants and facilitators can share experiences, ask questions and connect.
