Weekend Tours at The Woodlawn Cemetery -

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During the spring, early summer and fall the Friends of The Woodlawn Cemetery offer a variety of programmatic activities from tours to concert to readings. These events are generally held on Sunday afternoons.

Authors, scholars and historians are often invited to share their knowledge of The Woodlawn Cemetery on a variety of topics including history, architecture, and culture. The Friends host an array of musical groups at the cemetery each year including Jazz quartets, Bronx ensembles, Latin Jazz, Salsa and philharmonic. Artists and art classes use the grounds to paint and draw landscapes and monuments.

We have developed over 100 different thematic tours while working with renowned historians and scholars in an array of fields: architecture, jazz, history, politics, law and order, even a tour for mushroom lovers. The development of these thematic areas has enabled us to craft activities for any specific interest. Our tours last approximately 1.5 hours and are about 1.5 miles in length.

In total, thousands of residents each year from around the globe enjoy and utilize The Woodlawn Cemetery. Our tours, concerts and other events are regularly featured in print, TV and radio.

Below is a list of current activities happening at The Woodlawn Cemetery. Reservations for all programs are recommended. For more information call the Friends at (718) 920-1469 or email us at friends@thewoodlawncemetery.org

Rate

Event tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and $5 for students. Children under 6 years of age are admitted free. See "Group Tour" for information on rates.

Mausoleum of Henry A.C. Taylor designed by McKim Mead and White

Keep visiting this page as we will update the tours and events here throughout the year.

The Friends of Woodlawn Present – Fall 2009 Programs

TALKS AND WALKS AND MUSIC TOO!

Join us this Fall for a series of programs celebrating the history of The Woodlawn Cemetery and the individuals in our care. To make a reservation, get additional information or to volunteer your time, call us at (718) 920-1470 or email us at Friends@thewoodlawncemetery.org

September 13th Bardekova Ensemble Concert – 2 pm – Woolworth Chapel

This outstanding five piece quintet (clarinet, bassoon, French horn & oboe) will be playing classical favorites and tributes to those in Woodlawn’s care. This Bronx based ensemble was established over 25 years ago. Admission is free, this performance is funded through grant support from the Bronx Council for the Arts.

September 16th End of Life Planning Workshop – 7 pm – Woolworth Chapel

Our team of Family Service Counselors work with you to discuss issues that face everyone as they make plans to select a final resting place. Learn how to make all the necessary arrangements to relieve stress and confusion when a family faces their “time of need.” Admission is free – for additional information call (718) 920-1463 ext 252.

September 19th Biographers Group – 2pm - Jerome Gatehouse

Researchers, Historians and Genealogists are welcome to participate in the Woodlawn Biography Project, an initiative to create an on line database that shares the life stories of those in Woodlawn’s care. Participants can access records, learn how to write a biographical sketch and share their research. Volunteers are welcome and there is no participation fee. For information about the Woodlawn Biography Project call (718) 920-1463 ext 235.

September 20th Woodlawn’s Lost Symbols Tour – 2 pm – Jerome Avenue Gate

Among those in Woodlawn’s care are members of the Freemasons. This tour takes you to the final resting places of many celebrity Masons including: Composer Irving Berlin, Magician Alexander Herrmann, Jazz Great Duke Ellington and Store Magnate James Cash Penney. Featured on the tour are the memorials filled with the symbolism of the Freemasons and a guide to their meaning.

September 27th Jazz Greats of Woodlawn Tour – 10 am and 2 pm – Jerome Avenue Gate

From the dawn of the Jazz Age, the celebrated figures from the music world came to Woodlawn. Florence Mills, W.C. Handy, Coleman Hawkins and King Oliver are among the jazz pioneers on this tour. Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Lionel Hampton, Illinois Jacquet and Max Roach are remembered with unique monuments in Woodlawn’s famous jazz corner.

October 4th Hispanic Heritage Tour – 2 pm – Jerome Avenue Gate

Those who fought for freedom during the era of Jose Marti, celebrated figures in the world of entertainment, and the entrepreneurs who connected the Caribbean to New York through commerce are featured on this tour. Stops include the mausoleum of Celia Cruz, the gravesites of Carmen Mantilla and Ambrosio Gonzales and the memorial to sculptor Charles Lopez.

October 10-11th Open House New York – 10 am & 2 pm – Jerome Avenue Gate

Woodlawn participates in this city wide event by opening up 12 private mausoleums to the public. Join us on our walking tour where you can get an inside view of extraordinary mosaics, fabulous stained glass and the private resting places created by some of New York’s most notable architects and artists.

October 17th Biographers Group – 2pm - Jerome Gatehouse

October 18th Animal Lovers Tour – 2 pm - Jerome Avenue Gate

Dr. Samuel Johnson, the founder of the nation’s oldest pet cemetery is quietly at rest among many of his famous lot owners. Participants will visit the final resting places of many famous animal lovers including Irene Castle, Kate Harbeck and the Caterson’s who built the War Dog Memorial at the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery.

October 21st End of Life Planning Workshop – 7 pm – Woolworth Chapel

October 25th Autumn Leaves Tour– 2 pm - Webster Avenue Entrance

Join Bernie Glinski, Woodlawn’s tree expert, on a walk through the cemetery when the leaves are at their autumn peak. See several of the “Great Trees of New York,” and the variety of new species donated through the Million Trees NYC program.

Oct 29, 30, 31st & History and Mystery Tours – 6 pm - Jerome Avenue Gate

Nov 1st

Spend an evening in the cemetery learning the legends of Woodlawn. This perennial favorite takes you to the sculpture of “the Bride,” the graves of notorious figures and the monuments that share the tales of tragic events. Flashlights required!

November 8th Westchester Legacy Tour – 2 pm - from the Gould Circle

Many of Westchester County’s historic figures came to the Woodlawn Cemetery to spend eternity. Share an afternoon with several Westchester historians and Frank Sanchis, author of Westchester County Architecture.

November 14th Biographers Group – 2pm - Jerome Gatehouse

Researchers, Historians and Genealogists are welcome to participate in the Woodlawn Biography Project, an initiative to create an on line database that shares the life stories of those in Woodlawn care. Participants can access records, learn how to write a biographical sketch and share their research. Volunteers are welcome and there is no participation fee. For information about the Woodlawn Biography Project call (718) 920-1463 ext 235.

November 15th Author’s Talk – 2 pm - Woolworth Chapel

America's Girl: The Incredible Story of How Swimmer Gertrude Ederle Changed the Nation

Author’s Mary Ederle Ward talks about her new book on the first woman to swim the English Channel. Admission is free, books will be available for sale, the author will sign copies and refreshments will be served.

November 18th End of Life Planning Workshop – 7 pm – Woolworth Chapel

December 12th Biographers Group – 2pm - Jerome Gatehouse

December 16th End of Life Planning Workshop – 7 pm – Woolworth Chapel

* Security Officers are on duty at our entrance gates to assist you in finding these locations.

**Time and location to be determined.

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The Woodlawn Cemetery
Webster Avenue & E. 233rd Street • Bronx, NY 10470

Phone: (718) 920-0500 • Toll Free: (877) 496-6352
Fax: (718) 920-0512

Open Every Day: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.