The Woodlawn Cemetery & Conservancy

09/07/2026

This Labor Day, we honor the generations of workers whose dedication, skill, and perseverance helped shape our communities and our country.

At Woodlawn, the stories of those who built, created, served, and contributed to the world around them live on through the monuments and memorials that preserve their legacies.

Today, we remember the work they left behind and the lasting impact of their lives.

09/04/2026

Our back-to-school history lessons continue! 📚

Maria Kraus-Boelte was a pioneer of kindergarten education in America. Born in Germany in 1836, she came to New York City in 1872 and dedicated her career to shaping early childhood education. Alongside her husband, John Kraus, she opened the Seminary for Kindergarteners and a model kindergarten class known as the Normal Training Kindergarten. Together, they also published The Kindergarten Guide, a two-volume resource for educators.

Kraus-Boelte went on to serve as president of the Kindergarten Department of the National Education Association and helped establish the country’s first college-level course in kindergarten education at NYU in 1893. Today, she rests here at Woodlawn alongside her husband, leaving behind a lasting legacy in education.

Stay tuned for more history lessons as we continue exploring the remarkable people and stories connected to Woodlawn!

09/02/2026

Known around the world as the “Queen of Salsa,” Celia Cruz became one of the most influential performers in Latin music. Born in Havana, Cuba, she discovered her love of music at an early age, eventually joining the legendary Cuban orchestra La Sonora Matancera in 1950.

After settling in New York City in the 1960s, Cruz built an extraordinary career as a solo artist, collaborating with some of the biggest names in salsa and helping bring the genre to audiences around the world. Her powerful voice, vibrant personality, and iconic “¡Azúcar!” became hallmarks of a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the lives and legacies of Hispanic and Latino figures whose stories are part of New York’s history. ✨

08/31/2026

It’s back-to-school season! 📚 What better way to kick things off than with a little history lesson?

Augustus D. Juilliard made his fortune in textile manufacturing, but his true passion was music. He served as President of the Metropolitan Opera and Real Estate Company from 1892 until his death in 1919.

Today, Juilliard rests here at Woodlawn in his family mausoleum. But his legacy extends far beyond his final resting place.

In his will, he left the majority of his fortune to advance music education, ultimately helping establish the institution that would become The Juilliard School. 🎶

As we head back to school, we’re taking a look at some of the remarkable people and stories connected to Woodlawn. Stay tuned for more history lessons!

08/29/2026

August is Make-A-Will Month. If you’ve been thinking about creating or updating your will and making plans for the future, remember that Woodlawn can help you plan ahead with burial and cremation options.

Including your final arrangements as part of your estate planning can help ensure your wishes are known and ease the burden of difficult decisions for your family when the time comes.

Contact us to learn more about how you can receive one of our free Living Will Kits and Personal Planning organizer.

Visit https://www.woodlawn.org/living-will-kit-request/

08/28/2026

Join us at Woodlawn for an afternoon exploring the life and legacy of Dorothy Parker. 🖋️✨

Led by Kevin Fitzpatrick, President of the Dorothy Parker Society and author of Dorothy Parker’s New York, the tour will visit Parker’s gravesite and explore Woodlawn’s connections to Broadway, speakeasies, the arts, and the remarkable figures who shaped the city.

Click here for tickets and join us:

Dorothy Parker and the Talk of the Town New Yorkers 11:30 AM PM

08/27/2026

In honor of Women’s Equality Day, Woodlawn honors Carrie Chapman Catt (1859– 1947) who lays at rest in Primrose Plot.

At the turn of the century, Catt emerged as a leading figure in the women’s suffrage movement. In 1900, when Susan B. Anthony retired as president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, she chose Catt as her successor. Catt led the movement through its final push for voting rights, spearheading the effort to pass a federal suffrage amendment.

Her approach centered on petitions, testimony, lobbying, political cooperation, and demonstrating women’s loyalty and ability to contribute in all areas of society. Following the passage of the constitutional amendment in 1920, Catt founded the League of Women Voters.

08/21/2026

Wrapping up an incredible summer with our Woodlawn interns! 🌿

At the end of the summer, our interns shared final presentations highlighting what they learned, explored, and experienced throughout their time at Woodlawn.

From history and preservation to landscaping and learning about history, we’re so proud of the curiosity and hard work they brought all summer long.

New York City Department of Youth and Community Development
United Activities Unlimited, Inc.

08/20/2026

Did you know? Woodlawn’s Brookside Cremation Garden offers a peaceful, natural setting to honor and remember loved ones.

Nestled among natural rock formations, alongside a gentle brook, and near a beautiful stone bridge, this tranquil space is designed for quiet reflection and meaningful future visits. The garden also offers a communal ossuary for scattering remains, with a bronze name plaque for permanent memorialization.

Learn more about cremation memorialization at Woodlawn at the link below.

https://loom.ly/-_ejgec

08/17/2026

Join us for our Welcome to Woodlawn Trolley Tour! 👏🏻

On Wednesday, August 19 at 12 PM, enjoy a free guided trolley tour of Woodlawn Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark in the Bronx. Discover remarkable architecture, rolling landscapes, and the stories of influential figures laid to rest here.

Tickets are free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot at the link in our bio.