Henry George (1839-1897) came a long way. Born into a middle class Philadelphia family, he left school at the age of 14, ending his formal education, to work as an errand boy. He worked for years, and was long penniless. But he became a writer, and began to earn a living. Struck by the post-Civil … Read more
We tried something new this year for openhousenewyork: opening up many of our tombs that had never before been opened to the public. And it was a huge hit. From big crowds–we had 2,000+ online reservations, plus hundreds of walk-ups–to enthusiastic attendees–just about everyone I spoke with seemed to be having a great time–to volunteers … Read more
This is Louis Lang (1814–1893), painter and Green-Wood permanent resident. His gravestone, on the hill adjoining our Historic Chapel, describes him simply: “Artist.” We have several of his paintings in our Green-Wood Historic Fund collections, including this gem, which we recently acquired: And here is a spectacular Lang painting, just restored, that is about to … Read more
Over the years, I’ve taken part in quite a few videos about Green-Wood. Some have been great, some not so much. But I am very much looking forward to two that will have their premieres in the next week. One is a local production for NYCMedia, a part of the mayor’s office. Dave Evans is … Read more
Openhousenewyork, featuring free access to New York City’s best architectural features, began in 2003. And Green-Wood has participated in it annually since then, with a great performance across the grounds of music and dance, “Angels and Accordions.” But this year, on Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16, we have something very different and exciting … Read more
Looking for something special to do this weekend? Come see “Brooklyn Underground” in Green-Wood’s Historic Chapel. It is a great show and the perfect place for it. Here’s part of Henry Stewart’s review in “The L Magazine:” The actors recite Green-Wood’s original rules from 1853 with professional authority, Shakespearean musicality and mock outrage; never, I’m … Read more
This past Saturday, we hosted a great group of about 100 people from the New York Landmarks Conservancy. I led two trolley tours of the grounds. We set up a tent and served lunch. It was a pleasure to share Green-Wood with a great group of enthusiastic New Yorkers. It is always a thrill to … Read more
I was out on the cemetery grounds a few weeks ago and ran into Rob Jett. Rob is a very dedicated birder who goes far and wide to see birds, but who loves returning to Green-Wood year after year. As we talked, he noted that it was prime butterfly season. Rob generously offered to share … Read more
Green-Wood has a who’s-who of pioneering photographers interred here. One of those is Alexander Beckers. Several years ago I was checking a list of early photographers, looking for those who might be at Green-Wood. As I did so, I came to an Alexander Beckers, whose business was at 560 Broadway. And, lo and behold, Green-Wood … Read more
Last night, almost 200 people gathered at Green-Wood for the 4th annual Historic Fund benefit. And it rained. Which, of course, was better than last year’s tornado. As the rain came down, one wag suggested that next year’s benefit be held in Texas, so that we might end the drought there. But, despite the rain, … Read more