As Green-Wood Cemetery celebrates its 175th anniversary and the Brooklyn Historical Society celebrates its 150th, they have announced that they have formed a strategic partnership for the year that will benefit both parties.
Both organizations are integral parts of the borough’s history, with BHS preserving and encouraging the study of Brooklyn and the Green-Wood Historic Fund dedicated to maintaining monuments and buildings within the cemetery that have historical, cultural and architectural significance. The Historic Fund is not-for-profit and operates mostly from membership fees.
With hundreds of years of combined experience serving as historical pillars of Brooklyn community life, the two organizations will create dynamic programming to celebrate their history, the borough and Brooklyn’s effect on the entire country.
Each organization hopes to utilize the experience and resources of the other as they move forward to create fresh projects, programs and perspective for residents.
Green-Wood President Richard Moylan stated, “In partnership with Brooklyn Historical Society, the possibilities for expanded and enhancing our programs are endless.”
His sentiments were echoed by BHS President Deborah Schwartz, who said, “We are thrilled to bring together the valuable resources and magnificent physical spaces of these two venerable institutions to serve the dynamic communities of Brooklyn with expansive, creative programs.”
Through the collaboration, Green-Wood and BHS will create joint educational and cultural programs including public events to celebrate Brooklyn along with commemorative events to celebrate the landmark anniversaries of each organization.
Green-Wood – which each year hosts numerous events to highlight the historic structures within it, including annual Battle of Brooklyn re-enactments and tributes — is also in the process of developing a Visitors’ Center in the landmarked McGovern-Weir Greenhouse, outside the cemetery’s Fifth Avenue gate.
Jim Rossman, chairperson of the Brooklyn Historical Society’s Board of Trustees, said, “This milestone partnership between our two institutions will dramatically increase the public’s awareness of Brooklyn’s important role in the development of our city and our nation.” He also expressed excitement for the “wide range” of projects the two will collaborate on.
At the end of the year, the boards of both institutions will review the progress of the partnership and evaluate opportunities for collaborations in the future.
On the Avenue: Annual Kiwanis karaoke event raises funds for ailing children 
On the Avenue: Bay Ridge’s parade season in full swing