Events

Join the Presidential Wreath Laying Floral Workshop on Saturday, April 25, at 10:30am-12:30pm, a two-hour workshop from the Worship the Ground Series: A Brief History of a Sympathy Floral Practice with a Hands-on Workshop hosted by Rachael Watman from Swann’s End Flowers.

This workshop will begin with a 30-minute presentation that traces the history of memorial wreaths for US Presidents from mourning traditions for President Lincoln to formal military ceremonies enacted by President Johnson to modern day White House practices. Participants will learn about the Presidential Wreath Laying tribute for Presidents Monroe and Tyler buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

After the presentation, the 90-minute hands-on workshop will teach participants how to hand-make a wreath base and adorn with flowers and locally foraged natural elements from Swann’s End Flower farm. Participants will be encouraged to patriotically personalize their wreaths. Participants can choose to take their wreaths home or lay them at the graves of John Tyler or James Monroe.

This workshop costs $40 per person, which includes a $25 donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 12 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Rachael Watman, MSW, is a gerontological social worker, death doula, and long-standing advocate for quality end-of-life care. Rachael is also a master gardener, growing, designing, and selling flowers via her farm, Swann's End Flowers in Powhatan, Virginia.

Join us on Tuesday, April 28, at 11:00am-1:00pm for the annual ceremony honoring our fifth President, James Monroe, hosted by The James Monroe Memorial Foundation. The ceremony is held on President Monroe's actual birthday at his tomb, the restored "Birdcage" monument, in Presidents Circle. For nearly a century, the ceremony has included formal military honors. Recent ceremonies have featured a Foundation color guard and band, as well as lineage society wreath presentations.

This event is free to the public. An RSVP is not required to attend.

Step into the stillness of history under the glow of the full flower moon with Literary Professor and Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka. Join us for Hollywood Cemetery at Night: Full Moon Tour on Friday, May 1, at 7:30-9:30pm for a two-hour walking tour through the timeless grounds of Hollywood Cemetery, where the atmosphere takes center stage. These nighttime experiences offer a rare chance to explore the cemetery after dark with the moon, and the quiet beauty of this sacred landscape.Experience the magic of moonlight in one of Richmond’s most iconic landmarks.

This tour costs $25 per person, with all proceeds benefitting Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 35 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join the Van Yahres Tree Company for the annual Spring Tree Tour on Saturday, May 2, at 11:00am-12:30pm. This 90-minute guided walk will showcase our accredited arboretum and provide education about the preservation and care of the historic trees of Hollywood Cemetery.

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 50 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join The Valentine for the Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery walking tour on Tuesday, May 5, at 10:30am-12:30pm. Hear from knowledgeable tour guides not only about the history of the Cemetery, but also about its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notables buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

This tour is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 25 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join The Valentine for the Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery walking tour on Thursday, May 7, at 10:30am-12:30pm. Hear from knowledgeable tour guides not only about the history of the Cemetery, but also about its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notables buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

This tour is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 25 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join The Valentine for the Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery walking tour on Saturday, May 9, at 1:00-3:00pm. Hear from knowledgeable tour guides not only about the history of the Cemetery, but also about its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notables buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

This tour is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 25 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join The Valentine for the Highlights of Hollywood Cemetery bus tour on Sunday, May 10, at 2:00-4:00pm. Hear from knowledgeable tour guides not only about the history of the Cemetery, but also about its landscape design, architecture, symbols, and the notables buried at Hollywood Cemetery.

This tour is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 28 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Join the Cradle Graves Floral Workshop on Saturday, May 16, at 10:30am-12:30pm, a two-hour workshop from the Worship the Ground Series: A Brief History of a Sympathy Floral Practice with a Hands-on Workshop hosted by Rachael Watman from Swann’s End Flowers and Cemetery Historian Sharon Pajka.

This workshop will begin with a 30-minute presentation that traces the history of cradle graves from their popularity during the Victorian era to today and will elucidate the rituals and specifics of caring for the cradle grave gardens. Discussion will include modern day volunteer groups who now tend to cradle graves.

After the presentation, the 90-minute hands-on workshop will have participants clean up and replant a cradle grave of their choosing in Presidents Circle at Hollywood Cemetery. Participants will learn about the importance of using native plants suited to the environmental conditions of the site.

This workshop costs $40 per person, which includes a $25 donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 12 participants. To RSVP, click here.

Rachael Watman, MSW, is a gerontological social worker, death doula, and long-standing advocate for quality end-of-life care. Rachael is also a master gardener, growing, designing, and selling flowers via her farm, Swann's End Flowers in Powhatan, Virginia.

Join us on Monday, May 18, at 2:00-3:30pm for an energy healing experience, led by Charlene from The Rainbow Frequency. This 90-minute session is designed to offer a peaceful retreat within the cemetery's restorative grounds.

The experience will begin with a walk through the cemetery to help participants center themselves in nature, followed by a guided meditation focused on grounding and holistic wellness. By focusing on breath work and the surrounding beauty, participants can experience a deeper connection to the environment. We will conclude with a discussion on various techniques for maintaining balance and self-soothing across mind, body, and spirit.

This event is free, however, a donation to Friends of Hollywood Cemetery is highly encouraged. No refunds or transfers. Spaces are limited to 20 participants.To RSVP, click here.