They’re peaceful, they’re reverent, they combine history and biography with nature and stillness: Discover the rich history and autumn beauty of two of New York City’s well-known cemeteries on a two-day tour.
Traveling from Washington, D.C., begin with a visit to Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, founded in 1838 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its role in American history and landscape design. Stroll through winding paths and see a variety of interesting monuments and sculptures and learn about the lives of notable figures buried there, including artists, inventors, and veterans. Enjoy an evening program at the Morbid Anatomy Library, dine at a local restaurant, and spend the night at the Nu Hotel in Brooklyn.
On day two, travel to Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx, established in 1863 as one of the largest rural cemeteries in the country. Walk among elegant mausoleums and elaborate memorials that tell the stories of jazz legends, industrial titans, and literary giants. This serene setting is the final resting place of many historical figures, and guide Allison C. Meier shares stories that bring their legacies to life. The tour offers a thoughtful way to explore New York’s cultural heritage while enjoying time outdoors
Meier is a New York–based writer, author of the book Grave, and licensed tour guide whose work explores urban history, cemeteries, and the cultural meaning of burial.
Know Before You Go
- Cost includes bus transportation, lodging, all activities, and all meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner).
- Overnight accommodations are at the Nu Hotel in Brooklyn.
- Tour departs at 8:00 a.m. by bus from the Mayflower Hotel, Connecticut Ave. and DeSales St., NW, with a pickup at the DoubleTree Hilton, 15101 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel, Maryland, at approximately 8:40 a.m.
- Single-room supplement $110 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Nonmember pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Detailed information is emailed to registrants about four weeks prior to departure.
- Participants are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance for overnight and multi-day tours from a provider of your choice. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents that require last-minute cancellations.
General Information
- The tour departs by motorcoach from downtown Washington, DC with a designated secondary pick-up outside the city. Content delivered by the study leader on the way to the destination, after the secondary pick-up, is an integral part of the study tour experience. Meeting the group once the tour is en route is discouraged.
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
