Branches of Hope
August 15 @ 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Reflecting on the past; Healing for the future
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Mount Auburn Cemetery is excited to present a new cultural event: Branches of Hope, on Friday, August 15, 2025. This first-time event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and serve as a space for peace, healing, hope, and togetherness.
Join us for a complimentary, public gathering from 5:30pm-6:30pm in the Asa Gray Garden featuring powerful performances by Eden Rayz, Lonnie Stanton, and Naoko Brown. A Gingko Tree that will be planted on our grounds will be presented, and Mount Auburn Cemetery President, Matthew Stephens, will provide remarks.
From 6:30pm-7:30pm, join us for a ticketed reception featuring light refreshments and wine/beer on Bigelow Lawn. An art exhibit of works by Cannon Hersey, a renowned photographer, fine artist, filmmaker and organizer of large-scale cultural efforts will be on display. He is the grandson of John Hersey, author of Hiroshima.
From 7:30pm-9:00pm, Cannon Hersey and Collaborator of Future Memory, Akira Fujimoto, will deliver a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session. We will also be featuring special guest Koko Kondo, who was only eight months old when her city was destroyed by the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
Please Note: This is a ticket for an in-person event and lecture. If you would like to attend only the lecture virtually, please register here.
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Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free or discounted access to all our public programs and special events by joining the Friends of Mount Auburn. Our robust roster of programs each year is made possible by the generous support of our donors and in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or if you have any questions about your membership, please contact friends@mountauburn.org.
Mount Auburn is proud to participate in MCC’s Card to Culture Program. Click here to learn more.
Refund Policy:
Refunds and exchanges for events at Mount Auburn Cemetery are available up to 5 business days prior to the event.* Cancellations made after this deadline are not eligible for a refund and the order amount will be donated to support future programs and initiatives.
If Mount Auburn Cemetery decides to cancel an event, all ticket holders will be notified and automatically refunded.
*This policy excludes special events. Refund policies for special events will be listed directly on their event page. Exchanges are only applicable to events with multiple occurrences.
