Everything You Were Dying to Know About New York Cemeteries

Ever wonder how cemeteries in New York are managed, who owns what, or what it means to be a lot owner? Join Kerry McGovern, Investigator with the New York State Department of State’s Division of Cemeteries, as she presents an overview of how New York’s regulated cemeteries operate and the laws that guide their preservation and governance.

This presentation offers an easy-to-understand overview of cemetery governance—a system far more complex and compelling than you might imagine. Whether you’re a Green-Wood lot holder or simply curious about how public cemeteries operate, you’ll learn how these sacred places are preserved and how you can play a role in keeping them thriving for generations to come.

The Division of Cemeteries oversees the establishment, maintenance, and preservation of burial grounds for approximately 1,700 not-for-profit cemeteries in New York State. As authorized by the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law, the division works with cemetery officials on a wide range of issues including the sale of lots, service fees, and the acquisition of land.

Free. Please consider a donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

Before Purchasing Your Ticket, Please Note:

• Registration: Advanced reservation is strongly recommended. We may reach capacity, potentially turning away late arrivals. While registration is recommended, it does not guarantee entry. Only one space may be reserved per person.
• Location: Programs will take place at various locations and times throughout the day. Please check the schedule for details on your selected events.

• Donation: Although programs are free, we invite each registrant to support Green-Wood's ongoing death education initiatives through a voluntary contribution, enabling us to continue offering meaningful community programs throughout the year.
• Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant; however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or events@green-wood.com.
• A Little More About Safety: Unless there is a medical emergency, it may be difficult to easily exit during certain tours. Please consider these limitations before registering.