Walking tour: The Good Death

On this new tour, we’ll explore the curious and elaborate funerary customs of the Victorian era, named for Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.

The Victorians had a fascination with death and the afterlife and put money aside and planned for “the good death” - the ideal death and dying experience, dictated by strict social conventions and an intricate set of rituals.

You'll learn about undertakers, at-home funerals, mourning periods and attire, death photography, and the difference between graverobbers and body snatchers (one was a felony, the other a misdemeanor!).

Plus, you’ll see memorials and markers that make Forest Home one of the finest examples of a Victorian garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest.

Important information:

• This tour is roughly one mile and you may leave the paved surfaces. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step!
  
• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable.
  
• Meet in Victorian Garden (see map). Plan to arrive about 10 minutes before your tour.
  
• Please note the Forest Home Avenue gate is closed on Sundays, so please use the main entrance on Lincoln Avenue. On Sundays, you may park wherever you like, including in front of the office.
  
• You may park anywhere along the side of the road in the cemetery, including near and behind the chapel.
  
• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward to leave a review on Google reviews or TripAdvisor.
  
• Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.
  

Map: Where to enter, park and meet

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 Registry of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest

Milwaukee’s largest green space with more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres, Forest Home is the city’s first accredited arboretum and is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs, jogging, strollers and bicycles are welcome.

Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours, field trips and teen programs, plus our signature community events: Memorial Day, Doors Open, Dia de los Muertos 5K and Festival, Shakesepeare in the Park 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, stay longer! Stop in the office Monday–Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am – 3:30 pm , or call a counselor (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial options.

Host or Publisher Forest Home Historic Preservation Assoc.