Chapel Chat: The Cemetery that Almost Wasn't

In the third installment of the chapel speaker series, we explore the genesis of Forest Home Cemetery. Travel back to 1849 and learn about the factors and the people that led to the creation of "a cemetery for the city".

Forest Home is celebrating 175 years as an operating cemetery serving people of all faiths and cultures. This Chapel Chat delves into the beginning of what has become a lasting legacy.

EVENT INFO

The Forest Home Avenue gate is closed on Sundays, so please enter at the Lincoln Avenue gate.

After entering at Lincoln Avenue, veer left to the chapel. Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery and there is ample parking around the chapel.

Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.

ABOUT FOREST HOME CEMETERY & ARBORETUM

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery is Milwaukee’s oldest operating cemetery, open to all since its inception. Forest Home Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest.

An accredited Level II arboretum, Forest Home is Milwaukee’s largest green space with more than 2,800 trees on nearly 200 acres - open daily to the public. Joggers, strollers, bicycles and dogs on leash are welcome.

Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours and wellness events, birding opportunities, Doors Open, Memorial Day celebration, Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours. Sign up for our newsletter on the website and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with everything happening at Forest Home.

If you enjoy our beautiful space, stay for a while! Stop in the office Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm, or call a counselor to find out about our many burial options or to find locations of those memorialized here: (414) 645-2632.

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.