BURIAL RIGHTS
Some members of my family are buried at Green-Wood. How can I find out if there is any available space for my burial?
Without a specific devise in a will, burial rights in family lots pass from one generation to the next in accordance with the laws of New York State. If you are a direct descendent of a lot owner, you may have a right of burial in the lot. To file an affidavit of heirship, you will be asked to provide the names, addresses, marital statuses, and spouses (if married) of surviving heirs. Contact info@green-wood.com with the lot and section number in the subject line. You will be asked to provide this information for the form of affidavit to adjust title to the lot. The Cemetery will prepare the form of affidavit for your signature. Download this information sheet to learn more.
How can I find out if there is any remaining space in my lot?
To find out the future capacity of a specific lot, your name must appear on our records as an owner. If your name appears on our records, please send an email message to info@green-wood.com requesting the report. Please include the lot and section number and the words “Future Capacity Report” in the subject line and include a daytime phone number and mailing address in the body of the message. There is a cost for this service; you will receive an estimate before the research begins.
Do I need my original certificate of purchase to open a grave?
For the use of single graves, you will be asked to present the original certificate of purchase (also known as the “deed”). If you do not have the certificate of purchase, Green-Wood may be able to prepare you a Lost Certificate of Purchase Affidavit. For information, please contact title@green-wood.com. Presentation of the deed is never required in connection with the use of private lots in Green-Wood, as the Cemetery is governed by records of ownership.
GENEALOGY
I am researching my family tree. How can I find out more about my relatives interred at Green-Wood?
Start your search for individuals interred in Green-Wood by entering their name and/or date of interment. To request research from the genealogy department, “Greenealogy,” please complete an inquiry form. You may also contact the department by emailing research@green-wood.com. Please note that most of our records are not available for research other than by staff.
Hours
What are the hours of operation for the four entrances to the Cemetery?
Main Entrance (at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street):
8am to 5pm October 1 to March 31, every day
7am to 7 pm April 1 to September 30, every day
Sunset Park Entrance (Fourth Avenue and 35th Street):
8am to 4pm every day
Fort Hamilton Parkway Entrance (Fort Hamilton Parkway and Micieli Place) and Prospect Park West Entrance (Prospect Park West and 20th Street)
8am to 4pm, only on weekends and days of remembrance*
*Good Friday, Memorial Day, September 11, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, All Soul’s Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
What are the hours of operation for the Administrative Office?
The Administrative Office operates 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 3:30pm Saturday.
MAINTENANCE
Why is there no grass at my loved one’s grave?
If the grave has been opened recently, it can take up to eighteen months or more for grass to grow. The Cemetery will fill the grave with soil over time to correct the sunken condition. Please email info@green-wood.com and include the lot and grave number in the subject line or call 718-768-7300 to report a sunken condition.
I noticed that a headstone is sinking. What should I do?
If you notice that a headstone is listing, sinking, or off of its foundation, please call 718-768-7300 to report this condition. Please provide the name of a person interred within. Our staff will inspect the site and make any necessary repairs.
How can I erect a monument or add a name to an existing headstone?
Only lot and grave owners may authorize interments and memorialize those buried within. Contact a monument dealer of your choosing to start the memorialization process. The monument dealer will submit an application for a permit with the Cemetery to inscribe an existing headstone or install a marker.
What is Perpetual Care?
Perpetual Care is an endowment given to the Cemetery by a lot owner to care for a specific lot in accordance with the New York State Non-for-Profit Corporation Law. The interest generated from the endowment will be used to maintain the property. To request an estimate or to learn about an existing account, please contact the Executive Office at info@green-wood.com (write the lot, grave, and section in the subject line) or 718-788-7850.
PETS
May I bury the cremated body of my pet in my lot?
The remains of pets are are not permitted to be buried at this time. Check back for updates.
Are pets permitted in the Cemetery?
Pets are not permitted in the Cemetery. However, service animals are permitted.
PURCHASING CEMETERY PROPERTY
Can I sell my empty grave or lot?
The Cemetery has right of first refusal and may offer to repurchase empty graves, lots, crypts, niches, and urns sites. Please call 718-788-7850 for further information. Please have your lot number accessible.
What is the price for a burial spot? How much does it cost to bury the remains of a loved one?
You may review our price list online. Please note that all prices are subject to change without notice.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my installment plan?
Please contact the accounting office by email at installments@green-wood.com. Please include your account number in the subject line and a daytime phone number in the body of the message. You may also call (718) 210-3034.
TOURS
I am a teacher. Do you have special tours for students?
The Green-Wood Historic Fund offers educational programs for Pre-K through 12th grade students. Learn more here.
I am a tour guide and would like to lead my own tour of Green-Wood. Anything I should know?
We require all non-Green-Wood tour guides to make arrangements with us prior to touring our 478 acres. We are an active Cemetery and do not want your tour conflicting with a burial service or a tour being planned by us. Please contact our programming team at 718-210-3073 or email contactus@green-wood.com in advance of planning your tour to learn more about availability and costs.
Where can I sign up for a tour?
Public Programs: Please visit our calendar for a roster of public programs—including tours, performances, and events which often sell out. We advise you to purchase tickets online in advance for all events. You may also reserve your spot online for free events. For more information about public programs, please call 718-210-3080 or email events@green-wood.com.
Private Tours: To arrange a private group tour led by one of our expert guides, please contact The Green-Wood Historic Fund during regular business hours at 718-210-3080 or email events@green-wood.com. Please note that more lead time equals a better likelihood of retaining a guide and/or trolley for your preferred tour date.
TRIBUTES
What can I leave as a tribute on the grave of my loved one?
The Cemetery welcomes families to place fresh or artificial flower bouquets at grave sites. All other decorations are not permitted. Plantings are permitted at some locations. Consult your copy of the Cemetery’s Rules and Regulations, certificate of purchase, or deed for information specific to your lot or grave.
Why are artificial flowers permitted in the Cemetery?
As part of New York City’s effort to reduce the mosquito population, the Department of Health has ordered all cemeteries to prohibit use of vases that can hold water between March 15th and October 31st. A fresh bouquet of flowers placed near the headstone is certainly an option.
Can I plant flowers at my loved one’s grave?
To inquire if plantings are permitted, please email info@green-wood.com and include the name of the person interred within and/or the lot and grave number in the subject line or call 718-768-7300.
VISITING
Can I ride my bike or jog inside the Cemetery?
Bicycling and jogging are not allowed in the Cemetery. There are bicycle racks at all entrances.
Can I use Green-Wood for a location in my film? Fashion shoot?
Filming, videotaping, and commercial photography is strictly prohibited without advance permission and requires written consent of The Green-Wood Cemetery. For more information, please call 718-210-3057 or email location@green-wood.com for permission.
Are there restaurants nearby?
There are many restaurants near the Cemetery. It’s best to search online for “restaurants near The Green-Wood Cemetery” for options.
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is free parking within the Cemetery. Please park all vehicles on the right-hand side of the road. Parking on the grass is prohibited.