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SAT · MAY 2 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Funerary Art & Symbolism

ft. Jennifer Christ

Forest Home Cemetery· 2405 West Forest Home Avenue
$10 · 0+ · Tickets
Families with Older KidsCurious MindsHistory Buffs
Visit Site

Explore cemetery symbols with a guided tour at Forest Home Cemetery.

Part I

The details

About this event

Dive into the fascinating world of funerary art with a guided tour at Forest Home Cemetery. This event uncovers the stories and symbols etched into the stones, offering a unique perspective on history and culture. Led by knowledgeable docent Jennifer Christ, you'll learn about the meanings behind common motifs like clasped hands and laurel wreaths.

This tour is perfect for anyone with an interest in history, art, or architecture. It's a chance to explore the cemetery's role as a cultural repository and to gain insights into the lives of those who came before us. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this experience promises to enrich your understanding of Milwaukee's heritage.

From the organizer

Uncover histories hidden in the symbols and signs on our stones. Learn some basic symbols and monument styles that have been used over the centuries to artfully express bereavement for loved ones. Cemeteries often serve as historical and cultural repositories, and the symbols present on tombstones can provide insights into the beliefs, values, and lives of the people buried there. Who is the "mourning woman" found on many monuments? What does a pair of clasped hands or a laurel wreath symbolize? What is used to signify a life cut short? Once you understand these universal symbols, explore this and other cemeteries on your own. Embark on a journey through time, discover hidden stories, and unlock the secrets of cemetery symbolism with us. This tour is perfect for history buffs, art and architecture enthusiasts, families and anyone interested in learning about the mysteries hidden within Forest Home Cemetery.
— Forest Home Historic Preservation Association

Getting in

  • Tickets

    Tickets available online

  • Registration required — must sign up

Pricing details

$10 per person.

What's It Actually Like?

Energy2/5
ZenMosh Pit
SpiritualNostalgicIntimate
Quiet

Who'll Be There

Adults and families with an interest in history and art. Local residents or visitors who appreciate cultural heritage, seeking a unique, educational experience rather than a social party atmosphere.

How the Room Feels

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

What You'll Leave With

Just the experience

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

The room

Library rules. Whispers and a calm body — this is not a talking-out-loud room.

Quiet expectedSeated throughout

You'll leave with

Just the experience

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