Friends of Mount Auburn

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.  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…

Satigata, or "progressing into mindfulness," is a musical exploration into opening the heart to transformation, devotion and  wisdom through Buddhist and yogic songs and chanting. With its roots in the Buddhist community at Harvard Divinity School, Satigata is a unique combination of modern folk-rock, hand drums, flute, Tibetan singing bowls and bells, and both traditional Buddhist mantra and original chanting compositions. Led by two Master of Divinity graduates in Buddhist ministry from Harvard Divinity School, Chris Berlin and Darren Becker, Satigata is inspiring spiritual music with energy, tenderness and a progressive sound. Meet in Story Chapel.…

Natural or ‘green’ burial – which requires that everything going into the grave is biodegradable – has been officially offered at Mount Auburn Cemetery since 2014, but is really a return to older traditions.  Learn about Natural Burial locations and options at Mount Auburn with Regina Harrison, Executive Assistant & Sales Coordinator.  Find out more about shrouds and other biodegradable containers, types of memorialization allowed, working with or without a funeral director to plan a natural burial and what paperwork…

Mount Auburn Cemetery is pleased to announce that we are starting a new program to help us tell the stories of the more than 100,000 remarkable individuals buried and commemorated at the Cemetery. These stories will be shared on our new online Memorial Pages http://mountauburn.org/onlinememorialpages/ In conjunction with the launch of our online Memorial Pages, we are pleased to offer an exciting new program to digitize memorabilia relating to individuals buried and commemorated at Mount Auburn.This free service will be offered to…

Due to a scheduling conflict this event has been canceled.  Winter is an ideal time to get familiar with the year-round resident birds of Mount Auburn. If you are a beginner birder this walk with Visitors Services Assistant & Security Guard Al Parker will help you to learn the common birds of this area without the distractions of the migrating birds or the foliage on the trees. Dress warmly and bring your binoculars. Pre-registration required. Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free…

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 any or all of these 4 Sunday afternoon sessions.  Appropriate for ages 10 and up, teens and adults.  Bring your own paper, pencils and/or colored pencils.  Meet in Story Chapel.Nov 10 | Drawing Local BirdsDec 8 | Drawing Mount Auburn’s Mammals, Amphibians & MoreFeb 9 | Drawing Winter TreesMar 8 | Drawing Little LandscapesExperience a…

American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutlow shares many captivating stories: the Liberty Trees, where colonists gathered to plot rebellion against the British; Henry David Thoreau’s famous retreat into the woods; the creation of New York City’s Central Park and the rural Cemetery movement.Each month, the Mount Auburn Book Club meets to discuss a selected work related to one of Mount Auburn’s many facets. Selections range from books on history, natural history, horticulture, art, architecture,…

We will enter the environment of Mount Auburn in a contemplative walk from Bigelow Chapel with guided meditation.After a 30 minute walk we return to Bigelow Chapel for hot cocoa, and a brief welcome followed by a 45 minute session of sitting meditation with meditation guidance based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. All are welcome, regardless of experience or religious background. Chairs will be provided along with a limited number of meditation cushions. Feel free to bring a cushion if you prefer…

Join us for this annual program in Story Chapel, co-sponsored by the Longfellow House – Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site. Following a talk about Longfellow’s lasting legacy, we’ll enjoy birthday cake and then walk to the Longfellow Lot on Indian Ridge Path for a wreath-laying ceremony. This year’s speaker will be announced as the event date nears.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…

Please join Meg L. Winslow, Curator of Historical Collections, and Jim Holman, Director of Cemetery Development, for a special program on memorial design at Mount Auburn. This is an opportunity to see recent designs in slate, granite, and glass as well as learn about what is permitted, and how to work with an artist or carver to design your own memorial. Bring your lunch for this hour-long presentation in Bigelow Chapel, coffee and tea provided.Experience a deeper connection to Mount…

Satigata, or "progressing into mindfulness," is a musical exploration into opening the heart to transformation, devotion and  wisdom through Buddhist and yogic songs and chanting. With its roots in the Buddhist community at Harvard Divinity School, Satigata is a unique combination of modern folk-rock, hand drums, flute, Tibetan singing bowls and bells, and both traditional Buddhist mantra and original chanting compositions. Led by two Master of Divinity graduates in Buddhist ministry from Harvard Divinity School, Chris Berlin and Darren Becker, Satigata is inspiring spiritual music with energy, tenderness and a progressive sound. Meet in Story Chapel.…

Mount Auburn Cemetery is pleased to announce that we are starting a new program to help us tell the stories of the more than 100,000 remarkable individuals buried and commemorated at the Cemetery. These stories will be shared on our new online Memorial Pages http://mountauburn.org/onlinememorialpages/ In conjunction with the launch of our online Memorial Pages, we are pleased to offer an exciting new program to digitize memorabilia relating to individuals buried and commemorated at Mount Auburn.This free service will be offered to…

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.  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…

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 any or all of these 4 Sunday afternoon sessions.  Appropriate for ages 10 and up, teens and adults.  Bring your own paper, pencils and/or colored pencils.  Meet in Story Chapel.Nov 10 | Drawing Local BirdsDec 8 | Drawing Mount Auburn’s Mammals, Amphibians & MoreFeb 9 | Drawing Winter TreesMar 8 | Drawing Little LandscapesExperience a…

The Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.  Translated in 1867 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; the first U.S. translation raised American interest in the poem.  Longfellow is buried on Indian Ridge Path.Each month, the Mount Auburn Book Club meets to discuss a selected work related to one of Mount Auburn’s many facets. Selections range from books on history, natural history, horticulture, art, architecture, preservation, and wildlife to books written by or about those now buried and commemorated here. The…

Winter is an ideal time to get familiar with the year-round resident birds of Mount Auburn. If you are a beginner birder this walk with Visitors Services Assistant & Security Guard Al Parker will help you to learn the common birds of this area without the distractions of the migrating birds or the foliage on the trees. Dress warmly and bring your binoculars. Pre-registration required.Experience a deeper connection to Mount Auburn Cemetery with free access to all our public programs and discounts on…

Mount Auburn is the permanent home of many poets, politicians, and philanthropists. But buried among them are also murder victims – and even a few murderers. Join Volunteer Docents Robin Hazard Ray and Stephen Pinkerton on a walk to meet the victims and perpetrators in our midst.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…

Did you know that anyone can host a memorial service or reception at Mount Auburn Cemetery, even if the burial is at another cemetery? Join Bree Harvey, Vice President of Cemetery & Visitor Services, and Tom Johnson, Manager of Family Services to learn about how others have created meaningful events inside our historic chapels and outside on the beautiful Cemetery grounds. Learn how to effectively coordinate with family members and vendors to plan a beautiful, personal, and meaningful celebration.  Bring…

Join Mount Auburn President Dave Barnett as the snow-covered ground gives way to the earliest spring flowers and buds.  We will observe the early signs of spring’s arrival and learn how to identify some of the most interesting trees and shrubs at Mount Auburn by their buds, twig, and bark characteristics. 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…

Mount Auburn Cemetery itself is an internationally recognized model of landscape art in America. In addition, the Cemetery is the final resting place of many artists – painters, musicians, writers, actors, and sculptors -- who have enriched our culture and our nation with their contributions. Join Volunteer Docents Helen Abrams and Susan Zawalich on a walking tour where we will visit some of the beautiful works of art at Mount Auburn and honor some of the artists who are interred here.Experience a deeper connection…