New York City

Join Royal Oak as we explore the winding paths of historic Evergreens Cemetery on a walking tour led by head tour guide James Henry. The historic Brooklyn cemetery was designed in the ‘rural’ style, spanning 225 acres of rolling hills and gently sloping meadows, by prominent landscape architect Andrew Jackson Downing. It was incorporated in 1849, not long after the passage of New York’s Rural Cemetery Act spurred development of cemeteries outside Manhattan.

For a time, it was the “busiest” cemetery in New York City and today Evergreens is the final resting place of more than 526,000 people, including notables such as tap legend Bill “”Bojangles”” Robinson, jazz musician Lester “The Prez” Young, and animator Winsor McCay. We will visit the gravesites of distinguished people, who reflect the racial and religious diversity of New York City, including artists, actors, musicians and entertainers, as well as some controversial personalities.

We will learn about Victorian funerary symbols and styles as well as secret societies and their mysterious memorials. The tour will also include an exclusive trip inside the normally ‘off-limits’ Receiving Vault, as well as other surprises.

Tour will be held rain or shine. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.