Nature Drawing Workshop: Animals
2025-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Want to learn some very basic ways for drawing the nature you know and love here in Mount Auburn? Join illustrator Clare Walker Leslie in one or all of these Sunday afternoon sessions. Appropriate for ages 10 and up, teens and adults. No previous drawing experience needed. Bring a drawing pad, several pencils and an eraser. There will be materials provided, as well. Workshop takes place indoors. Meet in Story Chapel.
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.

Forest Bathing: A Mindful Nature Experience
2025-10-18 10:00 - 23:30 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Join guest guide Stefanie Haug (LICSW) as we explore Mount Auburn Cemetery by slowing down, being attentive to nature with all our senses, and deepening our appreciation for this special slice of our Cambridge neighborhood. Our Forest Bathing experience will include simple warm-up movements, a natural history of the area, guided breathing and centering awareness, mindful walking with sensory activities, and finding our nature meditation/sit spot.

What to bring: comfortable clothing, walking shoes, small mat or towel to sit on, water.

Check-in for the experience will be outside Story Chapel.

Event capacity: 25 people
REGISTER HERE >>

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Stefanie Haug, LICSW (she/her) guides people on journeys of self-awareness and relationship with nature as a local psychotherapist and certified Mindful Outdoor Guide (Kripalu). Her international career has spanned the corporate and nonprofit world with a focus on the wellbeing of humans and the more-than-human world. Stefanie is a lifelong nature lover and can often be found outdoors in all types of locations and weather, taking it all in with a sense of wonder, humor and calm.

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Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free access to all our public programs and discounts on 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.

Deep Listening Ritual with Artist in Residence Lia Pikus
2025-10-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Participants will be guided through an hour-long musical meditation led by 25-26 Artist-in-Residence Lia Pikus.
REGISTER HERE>>
Deep Listening encourages us to drop into presence with ourselves and with others. This practice (described by composer Pauline Oliveros as “listening in every possible way to everything possible to hear”) can become a way of being in a new kind of relation to ourselves and our environments. Through this multi-sensory practice of attunement to sound, stillness, breath and movement, Deep Listening can help foster profound experiences of emotional catharsis and processing.
In this Deep Listening experience, participants will be guided through an hour-long musical meditation led by 25-26 Artist-in-Residence Lia Pikus. In the quiet comfort of Mount Auburn’s Hazel Dell, Lia will use her cello and loop pedal^ to guide participants through a Deep Listening ritual that will help to foster our relationship with impermanence through attunement to the natural world.
Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, blanket, pillow, or anything else you can sit or lay on comfortably. There will also be chairs available.
Check-in at the top of Hazel Dell ramp (along Central Ave).
Location: Hazel Dell
Cap: 40 people
*Please Note: Lia Pikus is not a certified Deep Listening practitioner.
^Loop pedals are used to record and “loop” musical sounds or patterns in order to add layers, textures, and backing tracks.
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LIA PIKUS is one of Mount Auburn’s 25-26 Artists-in-Residence. She is a cellist, composer, and illustrator whose practice centers on art’s ability to cultivate experiences of presence and connection, both within community and in dialogue with the natural world. By drawing and reflecting on natural processes, Lia seeks to help audiences make emotional and sensory connections with their environments. As a Thomas J. Watson fellow (2023), she researched this connective power on a global scale, exploring the role of art in fostering community around the world. This research formed the foundation for her current explorations in live looping as a form of mediative ritual. It is also the central focus of her debut EP, Ritual, released in 2024. Lia was an Artist-in-Residence at Shenandoah National Park in 2024 and at Mothership NYC in 2023. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Religion, Ethics, and Politics at Harvard University. www.liapikus.com
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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 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.

Awash in Color
2025-10-19 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-11-02 13:00 - 14:30
Experience the beauty of autumn at Mount Auburn during this fall walking tour led by Visitors Services Assistant, Jim Gorman. We will visit some of the more colorful trees in our landscape in addition to looking for plant and shrubs putting out their fall fruits and nuts.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Mount Auburn Cemetery is an accredited Level III Arboretum (one of only 46 in the world!)?
REGISTER HERE >>

Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free access to all our public programs and discounts on 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.

Discover Mount Auburn Introductory Walking Tour
2025-11-01 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-01-03 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2026-03-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Mount Auburn, designated a National Historic Landmark, is one of the country’s most significant designed landscapes. Here the arts of horticulture, architecture and sculpture combine with the beauty of nature to create a place of comfort and inspiration. This 1.5-mile walking tour will focus on stories of history, monuments, and the lives of those buried here. Registration required.
REGISTER HERE>>
Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free access to all our public programs and discounts on 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.

Community Science Fair
2025-11-02 14:00 - 15:30
Join us for Mount Auburn’s Community Science Fair, where biodiversity research leaders will share their work at interactive stations inside Story Chapel. Attendees will have the chance to meet local experts, learn about ongoing projects, and discover how to get involved in supporting wildlife in our community.
REGISTER HERE>>
As one of the largest green spaces in the area, Mount Auburn is home to a wide range of species. But urbanization and climate change threaten wildlife through habitat loss, fragmentation, and pollution. In response, we are working to improve habitat, increase both plant and animal diversity, and monitor the many species that visit and reside on our grounds.
Through partnerships with local scientists, Mount Auburn conducts 16 ongoing observation-based field projects and offers a citizen science naturalist program that trains volunteers to support biodiversity research. From classroom education to field training, these programs connect people with the natural world while helping us collect vital data on native flora and fauna.
Come learn how Mount Auburn balances the built and the wild environments within the city—and how you can be part of our efforts to sustain a healthy, thriving landscape for generations to come.
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 theMassachusetts 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.

State of the Organization
2025-11-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Each fall, Mount Auburn welcomes families with loved ones interred here, donors, volunteers, and other community members to gather for our State of the Organization event. What began as our traditional Annual Proprietors’ Meeting has now evolved into a more inclusive occasion; one that is open to all and designed to share both our achievements and aspirations with the broader Mount Auburn community.

On Thursday, November 6th, the evening will begin with a reception from 4:00 – 5:00 PM, accompanied by light refreshments. During this time, guests are invited to visit interactive staff stations in and around Story Chapel. These stations provide a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with members of our teams, whether you wish to ask questions about Cemetery Services and Family Services, learn about our horticultural practices, or discover the many benefits of becoming a Friend of Mount Auburn. The reception is designed to give you space to explore your personal interests while deepening your connection to the people who care for this remarkable landscape.

At 5:00 PM, Mount Auburn’s President & CEO, Matthew Stephens, will deliver a presentation reflecting on the past year and highlighting priorities for the future. His remarks will touch on key organizational milestones, current initiatives, and the evolving vision that continues to guide us toward our approaching bicentennial. Following the presentation, Matthew will be joined by members of Mount Auburn’s Executive Leadership Team for an interactive Q&A session, ensuring that your questions and perspectives are part of the conversation.

RSVPs to the State of the Organization on November 6 are encouraged. To RSVP, please fill out the form.

A Time Traveler's Tour of Mount Auburn
2025-11-09 13:00 - 14:30 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, 02138, United States
Join Volunteer Docent Rosemarie Smurzynski for an afternoon walk through Mount Auburn’s past. During this stroll we will visit the most celebrated locations within the Cemetery as prescribed by the Cambridge Railroad’s 1858 guidebook to Mount Auburn.
What has changed? What is the same?
REGISTER HERE>>
Capacity: 30 people per walk
Meet at Story Chapel
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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.

The Celtic Crosses of Mount Auburn
2025-11-15 13:00 - 14:30
Join Mount Auburn volunteer docent Ginny Brady on this walking tour.
Mount Auburn Cemetery has a diverse collection of Celtic crosses throughout its 175 acres. Have you ever wondered what the symbols on a Celtic Cross mean? Why would an individual decide to have a Celtic cross as a monument for their final resting spot? Come explore the various monuments, learn about the symbolism and history of the ornamentation of these crosses, as well as the individuals that rest beneath these fascinating monuments here at Mount Auburn.

REGISTER HERE>>

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 theMassachusetts 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.

Holiday Wreath-Making Workshop
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:30
As winter quietly settles in, come gather at our Greenhouse for this wreath-making workshop.
REGISTER HERE>>
As the days shorten and winter quietly settles in, come gather with us at our Greenhouse for our holiday wreath decorating workshop. Greenhouse staff will briefly demonstrate different techniques before everyone creates their own unique wreath design. Wreaths, ribbons, and a fine assortment of dried garden materials and ornaments will be available for all to share. Please bring your own hand-shears.
Limited enrollment; preregistration is required.
Please dress warmly as we will have doors open for air circulation.
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 theMassachusetts 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.

Demystifying Death Doulas: A Virtual Panel Discussion
2026-01-12 18:00 - 19:00
An introductory conversation with death doulas about care, compassion, and end-of-life support.
Death is a universal experience—but talking about it often isn’t. In recent years, death doulas (also known as end-of-life doulas) have become an increasingly recognized source of emotional, practical, and spiritual support for people nearing the end of life and for the loved ones who care for them. Yet many people still wonder: What exactly does a death doula do? How do they fit within existing care systems? Who do they support?
Join us for a free virtual informational panel designed for anyone curious about this developing field. Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional in healthcare or social services, or simply someone interested in learning more, this conversation will offer an introduction to the role of death doulas and the many ways they serve individuals and families.
Panelists:
Michele Bograd provides direct service to those with life limiting illness and their families. She also provides education and training to psychotherapists, community groups and end-of-life doulas on living life fully while dying, the social determinants of death and grieving, cultural sensitivity, and bereavement. She helped pilot an EOLD program in a local hospice system, which increased her awareness of the institutional, cultural and medical possibilities and constraints as EOLDs become part of caring systems.
Sarah Poulter is an end-of-life doula, artist, and freelance development consultant living and practicing in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Drawing on a career in nonprofit fundraising and executive leadership, she brings large doses of pragmatism, compassion, humor and organization into all of her pursuits. She is happiest in connection with others and uses her skills of creativity, empathy, and resourcefulness to companion individuals and their loved ones in their final transition.
Karen Monaghan is a death doula, therapist (LICSW) and Notary Public; she provides emotional, practical and educational guidance to people approaching end of life and supports them in having the best death possible. What “best death” means is different for everyone; she offers a range of services to help people understand what it means for them and how they wish to prepare for it. Such services include end of life planning, legacy work, sitting vigil and bereavement support. She provides a safe space to talk openly about death and dying, and about hopes, fears and expectations. In addition to her doula work, she serves as the Communications Lead within the Doula Guild, where she helps foster connection and shared purpose among members and the broader community.
Moderator:
Corinne Elicona has worked at Mount Auburn for eight years in many different roles including natural burial volunteer, administration assistant, and crematory operator. She is currently Mount Auburn’s Education & Digital Content Manager, working on creating educational content on Mount Auburn; its history, landscape, and legacy. She is passionate about fostering a positive discourse around death and promoting education around end-of-life choices and equity so that everyone can experience a good death.

REGISTER HERE>>

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 theMassachusetts 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.
