2025 Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery

We welcome you to join us at one of our monthly Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery.

As an active burial ground, Historic Congressional Cemetery is well acquainted with death, but just what is a Death Cafe?

Death Cafe is a global movement to encourage discussion about the often-taboo subject of death. These are intimate informal gatherings where we discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea to remind us of comfort and sweetness even in difficult times. There is no agenda other than providing a space for an open-ended conversation.

Please join us to explore these topics in the spirit of curiosity and wonder. Please keep in mind these gatherings are not meant to offer or replace grief counseling. In the interest of privacy and being present, we ask that these conversations remain in the room and there be no recording, note-taking, or personal details shared afterward.

Follow this link for more about Death Cafe history and concept.

At Congressional Cemetery, our Death Cafes are facilitated by a rotating slate of volunteers in the region, each bringing their own unique energy and way to make space for the conversation. Our Death Doula in Residence, Laura Lyster-Mensh, represents the cemetery for these evenings.

Congressional Cemetery offers these unique conversations free of charge, and offers tea and sweets in the tradition of death cafes around the world. We do ask that you consider bringing a food or beverage item to share, or a suggested $5 donation, to help cover event costs.

Due to space limitations and to allow us to offer an intimate conversation, please reserve a chair for the dates you will be joining us. To be on the waitlist for any unavailable dates, use the form or please email Laura at [email protected]

Host or Publisher Congressional Cemetery