Exploring Green-Wood Cemetery: New York City's First Garden Cemetery

In 1866, the New York Times wrote that “It is the ambition of the New Yorker to live upon Fifth Avenue, to take his airings in the [Central] Park, and to sleep with his fathers in Green-Wood.” What made this cemetery such a renowned place to be buried in the 19th century and who are some of its most famous “permanent residents”? It's time to uncover the history behind one of the most unique landmarks in Brooklyn by walking along its historic hills, valleys, and paths.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the ground and explore a portion of Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, one of America’s oldest rural cemeteries dating back to 1838 that's also a Revolutionary War historic site and National Historic Landmark.

Led by licensed New York tour guide James Hoffman, our unique experience will include:

• An overview of the early history of Green-Wood Cemetery and how it became one of 19th Century America's most popular tourist attractions
• A wide selection of famous grave sites ranging from Egyptian style pyramids to baseball themed monoliths
• A discussion of Green-Wood’s most interesting residents running the gamut from famous politicians, to award-winning composers, to the first Brooklyn casualty of the Civil War
• A visit to Battle Hill, the highest natural point in Brooklyn and a Revolutionary War battle site
• Amazing views of the New York skyline and harbor
• A final stop at Green-Wood's famous brownstone Gothic Revival Entry Gate (famously topped with the nests of Monk parakeets)

See you there!

*Please bring water and a comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be walking across roughly two miles of hilly and uneven surfaces on the cemetery grounds

**Restrooms and water fountains can be found at the beginning and end of the tour

***This tour concludes at the main gates to Green-Wood Cemetery located at 5th Avenue and 25th Street

****A portion of each ticket will go to Green-Wood Cemetery to support preservation of this historic landmark

Transportation

Bus: B61 (Prospect Park W/19 St), B67 and B69 (20 St/Prospect Park W).

Subway: 5-minute walk from the 15 St - Prospect Park stop (F, G). Ending location is one avenue over from the 25 Street stop (R).

By Car: For those trying to find street parking, we recommend looking for spaces between 5th and 7th Avenues between 20th and 24th Streets, which is in the middle of both the starting and ending locations. If you're looking for a parking lot, we recommend parking at the 500 4th Ave Garage (206 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215) and taking the B61 bus at 9 Street and 4 Ave (northeast side of street - "To Park Slope 20 St Via Red Hook" direction) 11 stops to the Prospect Park W/19 St. When you finish the tour, you can walk one avenue to the R train's 25 Street Station and take it northbound for two stops.

About James

James Hoffman is a seasoned licensed New York City tour guide with over a decade of experience. He’s set up an array of sightseeing walks and bike tours that span from iconic landmarks like Grand Central Terminal to the historic Green-Wood Cemetery.

When he's not leading tours he runs open board game nights at victorypints.com and donates his time to the Guides Association of New York City (GANYC), working alongside fellow guides to promote live tour guides.

Testimonials

" The guide, James, had a great demeanor and sense of humor." -David

" I liked the history about the cemetery and the graves of unknown people" -Barbara

" James' enthusiasm was evident from the beginning. He shared fascinating stories about the place and the people. I'm so glad I took this tour!" -Catherine

" James was great" -Chris

" Great topic, great guide. Jason was knowledgeable and engaging. He knew the topic and answered many questions." -Emily

" Very informative, content presented in an interesting way" -Anna

"Beautiful site. Excellent route. Good information. Nice guide. Incredible spot in Brooklyn. James was a very relaxed host who provided interesting information." -Peter

"The guide was good, and the tour was interesting." -Shalom

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club