Walking tour: Funerary Art & Symbolism

Learn some basic symbols and monument styles that have been used over the centuries to artfully express bereavement for loved ones. Cemeteries often serve as historical and cultural repositories, and the symbols present on tombstones can provide insights into the beliefs, values, and lives of the people buried there.

Who is the "mourning woman" found on many monuments? What does a pair of clasped hands or a laurel wreath symbolize? What is used to signify a life cut short? Once you understand these universal symbols, explore this and other cemeteries on your own.

Embark on a journey through time, discover hidden stories, and unlock the secrets of cemetery symbolism with us.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, art and architcture enthusiasts, families and anyone interested in learning about the mysteries hidden within Forest Home Cemetery.

About your guide

Jennifer Christ is retired from a career in teaching and in lay professional ministry. She currently volunteers as a docent at the Milwaukee Art Museum as well as at Forest Home Cemetery.

Important information 

• This is a 1.5-mile walking tour that may go over uneven ground at a fast pace. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together. 
   

• The Forest Home Avenue gate is not open on Sundays, so please use the Lincoln Avenue gate. 
   

• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery on Sundays. There is plenty of parking around the chapel on both sides of the road. Please park on the side of the road in a way that doesn’t prevent cars from passing. 
   

• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet at Halls of History (the building next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance). 
   

• Check in with your guide. You do not need to bring your paper ticket. 
   

• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of dangerous weather. Tickets are non-refundable. 
   

• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward to review us on Google or TripAdvisor. 
   

• 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 people of all faiths, races and backgrounds 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.

With more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres, Forest Home is larger than any City of Milwaukee park and is the city’s first accredited arboretum.

We are open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs, joggers, strollers and bicycles are welcome.

Each year, Forest Home hosts public and private historical and nature-based tours, programs and field trips, plus our signature community events: Memorial Day, Doors Open, Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival, Shakespeare Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours.

We have many volunteer opportunities for adults and youth looking for service hours! Email [email protected] to find out more.

Sign up for our newsletter on our website (foresthomecemetery.com) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss any of our tours and events!

If you enjoy our beautiful space, inquire about staying longer! Stop in the office Monday–Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am–3:30 pm, or call (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial and memorial options.

Waiver

By purchasing ticket(s) and/or by attending a Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum (FH) tour or event, you affirm that you and your guests agree to the following terms and conditions.

I acknowledge, attest, agree and represent as follows:

• I understand that this is a walking tour. I represent that I am in good health, in proper physical condition and capable of walking at least a mile outdoors.

• I assume sole responsibility for my safety and release FH and its guides from all liability or damages resulting from my participation.

• I understand there are inherent risks of taking a walking tour. While the tours are not strenuous, potential risks may include, but are not limited to, uneven walking surfaces, potholes, stick or tree/plant debris on paths, wet or slippery ground, steps, narrow walkways, traffic movement, road crossings.

• I understand and agree that the tour guide reserves the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the tour if he or she feels the tour participant is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

• I release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue FH, its principals, affiliated entities, present and former employees, volunteers, guides, owners, managers, partners, contractors, insurers, shareholders, and directors (collectively “Released Entities”) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses for death, injury, loss or damage of property, in any way arising out of my participation in a FH tour or event, including, without limitation, any and all claims resulting from the negligence of the Released Entities.

• I indemnify and hold harmless the Released Entities from any loss, liability, damage or cost that they may incur for losses and damages which may be brought against me or against any of them by anyone claiming to be injured (including death) or whose property is damaged as a result of my actions arising from or during a FH tour or event.

• I agree to grant FH a royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour or event on the property, solely for promotional purposes.

• I authorize FH to provide me with medical assistance, transportation and emergency medical services as the result of injury or health condition. This consent does not impose a duty upon FH to provide such assistance, transportation or services. I have the right to refuse medical assistance.

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.