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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260802T113000
DTSTAMP:20260720T203658Z
CREATED:20260720T203658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T203658Z
UID:10002206-1785664800-1785670200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Revolutionary War Veteran Wreath Laying Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:In honor of the 250th anniversary of America’s independence\, we invite you to join Historic Congressional Cemetery and our partners from the National Cemetery Administration for a special wreath-laying ceremony honoring the Revolutionary War veterans buried at Congressional Cemetery. \nThe program will include remarks from Historic Congressional Cemetery and the National Cemetery Administration\, the ceremonial laying of a wreath\, and the playing of TAPS in remembrance of those who served during the American Revolution. \nFollowing the ceremony\, attendees are invited to participate in a Revolutionary War flag-laying tour and activity. Together\, we will visit the graves of Revolutionary War veterans throughout the cemetery\, learn more about their lives and service\, and place commemorative flags at their gravesites. \nThis free program offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the individuals who helped secure American independence and to explore the Revolutionary-era history preserved at Congressional Cemetery. \n\nAll are welcome to attend this free public ceremony.\nRSVP HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/revolutionary-war-veteran-wreath-laying-ceremony/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial,No Dogs Allowed
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251213T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251213T123000
DTSTAMP:20251112T225035Z
CREATED:20250701T175413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T225035Z
UID:10001834-1765623600-1765629000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nAt Congressional\, we remember our veterans. Over 1700 veterans from almost every major American armed conflict are interred in the historic grounds of Congressional Cemetery. And while they are no longer here\, their memories live on. To help honor and remember\, we invite you to join Congressional Cemetery and our community partners for the annual Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony and event. \nThe ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM at Congressional Cemetery. Upon arrival\, attendees are directed to the ceremony area. At the conclusion of the ceremony (around 11:30 AM)\, attendees and volunteers will assist with the placing of wreaths at veteran graves. Attending the ceremony is free but we ask that you please RSVP using the link below. In addition\, chairs are provided for the ceremony and are available on a first come\, first served basis. \nPlease note that this an outdoor event with no rain date. We advise dressing for the elements. We also recommend wearing appropriate footwear\, as the ground is uneven across the cemetery. Due to our status as a National Historic Landmark\, we are unable to be ADA compliant. \nWreaths Across America is a US-based Non-Profit Organization started in 2007 by Wreath Producer Morrill Worcester. Every year\, in partnership with shipping companies\, truckers\, living veterans\, cemetery staff\, and all number of volunteers\, Wreaths Across America place wreaths on the graves of veterans who have passed to “Remember\, Honor\, and Teach” about the memory of their lives and service. \nIf you are interested in attending the ceremony and potentially placing a wreath\, please RSVP here.\nIf you are interested in donating a wreath for the ceremony\, please see our page HERE.\nLearn more about Wreaths Across America at their website.\nWe greatly appreciate the supporting of the following organizations to help make this event possible:\nThe District of Columbia National Guard\nGuerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC\nNational Defense Post 46- The American Legion\nJudge Lynn Chapter- Daughters of the American Revolution \nEastern Market Main Street\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/wreaths-across-america-wreath-laying-3/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/At-Congressional-Cemetery.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250920T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250920T130000
DTSTAMP:20250815T171626Z
CREATED:20250815T150156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250815T171626Z
UID:10001894-1758366000-1758373200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:General Alexander Macomb Reinterment Ceremony: Commemorating Army\, Navy\, and Marine Corps 250
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a ceremony and commemoration at Congressional Cemetery honoring the life and service of Major General Alexander Macomb\, Commanding General of the United States Army from 1828 to 1841. \nSeptember 20\, 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM \nAwarded the Congressional Gold Medal for service during the War of 1812\, General Macomb patriotically served the United States for decades. On September 20\, we will honor the reinterment of Macomb’s remains with a military ceremony and various speakers. A light reception in the Chapel will follow the ceremony. \nThis ceremony will not only honor General Macomb’s legacy\, but also serve as a tribute to the thousands of veterans interred at Congressional Cemetery —men and women of the Army\, Navy\, Air Force\, and Marine Corps whose service has safeguarded our nation for more than two centuries. \nPresented in partnership with representatives of the United States Armed Forces\, this event will also commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the Army\, Navy\, and Marine Corps. We hope that you will join us and the Macomb descendants to reflect on the enduring sacrifices of those who have worn the uniform and to express our gratitude for their service to our country. \n\nAll are welcome to attend this free public ceremony.\nRSVP HERE\nProgram Includes:\nIntroductory Remarks by A.J. Orlikoff\, Interim Executive Director\, Historic Congressional Cemetery \nPresentation of the Colors: United States Army ‘The Old Guard’ Ceremonial Color Guard \nPerformance of the National Anthem: The United States Army Band ‘Pershing’s Own’ Brass Quintet \nKeynote Remarks: Mr. Charles Bowery\, Executive Director\, U.S. Army Center of Military History  \nA Wreath and Flower Laying \nReception and Pop Up Tours \nWhy is Macomb Being Reinterred?\nMajor General Alexander Macomb died in 1841 and holds a unique distinction: he may be the only general in American history whose remains have been interred four separate times. He was first buried at the Presbyterian Burying Ground before being removed and reinterred at Congressional Cemetery in 1850. Joined in death by his wife Catherine\, the Macombs rested there until the mid-2000s\, when the towering obelisk marking their grave began to lean. To prevent the vault from collapsing\, the Department of Veterans Affairs repaired the monument. During this work\, the Macombs’ remains were removed\, and the Smithsonian\, in coordination with the Macomb descendants\, studied the remains and burial contents. \nMost of General Macomb’s remains were reinterred in 2008 in a military ceremony attended by descendants. However\, the story did not end there. In November 2024\, the Smithsonian returned the final remains and artifacts removed from the Macomb vault and others for study. In honor of the Army’s 250th anniversary and the approaching America 250 commemoration\, we are proud to reinter General Macomb’s remains for a fourth and final time — in partnership with local Department of Defense commands and the Macomb family.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/general-alexander-macomb-reinterment-ceremony-commemorating-army-navy-and-marine-corps-250/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSC02457-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241214T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241214T123000
DTSTAMP:20241120T211040Z
CREATED:20241120T210956Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T211040Z
UID:10001623-1734174000-1734179400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying
DESCRIPTION:At Congressional\, we remember our veterans. Over 1700 veterans from almost every major American armed conflict are interred in the historic grounds of Congressional Cemetery. And while they are no longer here\, their memories live on. To help honor and remember\, we invite you to join Congressional Cemetery and our community partners\, the District of Columbia National Guard\, for the annual Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony and event. \nThe ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM at Congressional Cemetery. Upon arrival\, attendees are directed to the ceremony area. At the conclusion of the ceremony (around 11:30 AM)\, attendees and volunteers will assist with the placing of wreaths at veteran graves. Attending the ceremony is free but we ask that you please RSVP using the link below. In addition\, chairs are provided for the ceremony and are available on a first come\, first served basis. \nPlease note that this an outdoor event with no rain date. We advise dressing for the elements. We also recommend wearing appropriate footwear\, as the ground is uneven across the cemetery. Due to our status as a National Historic Landmark\, we are unable to be ADA compliant. \nWreaths Across America is a US-based Non-Profit Organization started in 2007 by Wreath Producer Morrill Worcester. Every year\, in partnership with shipping companies\, truckers\, living veterans\, cemetery staff\, and all number of volunteers\, Wreaths Across America place wreaths on the graves of veterans who have passed to “Remember\, Honor\, and Teach” about the memory of their lives and service. \nIf you are interested in attending the ceremony and potentially placing a wreath\, please RSVP here.\nIf you are interested in donating a wreath for the ceremony\, please see our page HERE.\nLearn more about Wreaths Across America at their website.\nWe greatly appreciate the supporting of the following organizations to help make this event possible:\nNational Defense Post 46- The American Legion\nThe District of Columbia National Guard\nGuerrilla Gardeners of Washington DC
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/wreaths-across-america-wreath-laying-2/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/At-Congressional-Cemetery.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240503T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240503T153000
DTSTAMP:20240425T225725Z
CREATED:20240425T225725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240425T225725Z
UID:10001084-1714746600-1714750200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Big Chair gathering: meet the artists
DESCRIPTION:Join us as we gather to introduce the newest Message of Hope painting on the cemetery’s famous Big Chair. \nThis informal gathering at 2:30pm on May 3 outside the cemetery gates will introduce the painter of this installation and recent artists\, as well as allow us to honor a recent Big Chair artist who died last month. \nAll are welcome. Come meet the artist\, Elizabeth Marik\, and previous artist\, Heather\, who painted the chair with her son\, Aiden\, who died in last month. \n\n\nFrom the sign on the chair: \nThis spring\, for the season following the vernal equinox\, our Big Chair painter is the artist Elizabeth Marik. The spring chair design includes flowers associated with death and mourning such as marigolds\, daisies\, lilies\, and a white rose. \n\n\n“Together\, they remind us of life emerging. The watery seat invokes the Ganges\, and doorways to the afterlife such as the river Styx\,” Marik said. \n\n\nMarik’s design was previously featured in the second Message of Hope installation in December 2023 along with two other painters\, Michele L.\, and Evelyn M. The candles they depicted were in honor of the annual Worldwide Compassionate Friends Candle Lighting Ceremony and included their motto: “We Need Not Walk Alone.” Compassionate Friends supports families who have lost children of any age. \n\n\nThe first Message of Hope was painted by Heather and Aiden in the fall of 2023 and featured a lighthouse in honor of suicide awareness after they lost a close relative to suicide. This month we join in honoring and remembering Aiden\, who recently died of suicide. In his honor\, the chair now features Aiden’s drawing of Godzilla which he drew for a tattoo he wore. The messages of both Messages of Hope on the Big Chair now become entwined as part of the history of this cemetery. \n\n\nFor more information about our Messages of Hope please inquire in the gatehouse or email: DeathDoula@congressionalcemetery.org \n\n\n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/big-chair-gathering/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Big Chair\, 1801 E St SE\, Washington\, DC\, 20002\, United States
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness,Dedication,Memorial
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_7036-rotated-1-scaled.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Laura Lyster-Mensh":MAILTO:deathdoula@congressionalcemetery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240406T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240406T120000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225925Z
CREATED:20240325T200616Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225925Z
UID:10001078-1712397600-1712404800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Qing Ming [Grave Sweeping Day] with the 1882 Foundation
DESCRIPTION:Join Congressional Cemetery and the 1882 Foundation on April 6 for grave-cleaning and memorialization of our Range 99 Chinese American Memorial! \nHCC staff\, representatives from the 1882 foundation\, and families get together to dedicate new memorial bricks and launch HCC’s new Range 99 pamphlet to the public. \nKicking off at 10 AM\, our Qing Ming celebration will start with remarks and a dedication ceremony\, before a private youth group engages in cleaning activities to honor the memories of those who came before. \nThe 1882 Foundation is a non-profit organization based out of DC Chinatown that seeks to broaden public awareness of the history and continuing significance of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. It does this through building collaborations nationally focused on organizing an annual 1882 Symposium in Washington D.C.\, recording oral histories and preserving sites guided by Talk Story concepts\, and strengthening public education about the Chinese and Asian American experience by promoting attention to curriculum content and resources\, encouraging teacher workshops\, and making material more easily accessible for educators and researchers. \nLearn more about them here!\nThe event is free to attend but we ask that you please RSVP below.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/qing-ming-grave-sweeping-day-with-1882-foundation/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Qing-Ming-at-the-Chinese-American-Memorial.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231216T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231216T110000
DTSTAMP:20240915T224252Z
CREATED:20231121T214100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T224252Z
UID:10000975-1702724400-1702724400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying
DESCRIPTION:Please join Congressional Cemetery Staff in our partnership with Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths at the gravesites of our resident veterans this Holiday Season! \nWreaths Across America is a US-based Non-Profit Organization started in 2007 by Wreath Producer Morrill Worcester. Every year\, in partnership with shipping companies\, truckers\, living veterans\, cemetery staff\, and all number of volunteers\, Wreaths Across America place wreaths on the graves of veterans who have passed to “Remember\, Honor\, and Teach” about the memory of their lives and service. \nLearn more about Wreaths Across America at their website. \nBring yourself and your family– Wreaths provided by Wreaths Across America.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/wreaths-across-america-wreath-laying/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/At-Congressional-Cemetery.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230421T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230421T143000
DTSTAMP:20240915T224149Z
CREATED:20230116T235052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T224149Z
UID:10000801-1682082000-1682087400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:America 250! Plaque Dedication Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Please join Congressional Cemetery and the District of Columbia Daughters of the American Revolution for a dedication ceremony celebrating the installation of a new historic “America 250!” marker at the graveside of Elbridge Gerry\, the only signer of the Declaration of Independence interred in Washington DC. \nThe event is free and open to the public but we ask that you please RSVP HERE. Remarks will be provided by DAR President General Pamela Wright and Congressional Cemetery’s Director of Public Engagement A.J. Orlikoff. \nThe American 250! markers celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The marker\, a 30″ x 30″ bronze plaque\, commemorates the contributions of the men and women who achieved American independence. Generously donated by the DCDAR\, the plaque is a tangible reminder of Congressional Cemetery’s and Washington DC’s patriotic history. \n  \n \nElbridge Gerry\, from Marblehead\, Massachusetts\, was one of America’s Founding Fathers. He signed the Declaration of Independence\, attended the Constitutional Convention\, and was elected Vice President in the 1812 Presidential Election. During the Revolutionary War\, he helped supply the Continental Army using his international business contacts while serving on the Continental Congress. His patriotic service to the American cause during Revolutionary War greatly contributed to American independence. We hope you will join us to celebrate his patriotic legacy.  \nHarvard Art Museum \nTo learn more about the mission of the DCDAR\, please visit their website HERE. \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/america-250-plaque-dedication-ceremony/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dedication
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DAR-250-Square-BlueTag-RGB-HR_0-2.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230319T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230319T160000
DTSTAMP:20240915T224143Z
CREATED:20221110T213435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T224143Z
UID:10000790-1679238000-1679241600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Circle of Life Dedication
DESCRIPTION:Please join Congressional Cemetery and the designers of the Circle of Life  for an outdoor dedication ceremony honoring the creation of this signature cemetery fixture. The event coincides with the Vernal Equinox\, a time to celebrate nature’s renewal and longer days as the sun crosses the celestial equator. \nThe Circle of Life is a living monument to nature. Surrounded by linden trees\, the contemplative site invites visitors to meander along stepping stone paths among engraved granite circles that depict the natural life cycle. The open slope and compass rose centerpiece provide a unique vantage point to follow the sun’s movement during solstice and equinox seasonal changes. \nFeaturing: \n— Batalá — all-women Afro-Brazilian marching band playing Samba-Reggae rhythms \n— A laying of stones ceremony \n— An informal auction for bench naming rights \n— Refreshments \nFor this event\, the Batalá drummers will lead those who wish to gather at the gate at 3pm — for a rousing rhythmic walk from the cemetery entrance to the southeast hillside above the mausoleums\, where the dedication program will take place. \nAn informal auction will be included giving you an opportunity to bid on having your name (or names) inscribed on a medal plate to sponsor one of the garden benches within the Circle. \n  \nThe event is free to attend but we request that you RSVP HERE if you plan to attend. \nPlease feel free to read more from the Circle of Life designers below or click here to download the PDF! \n \nThe Circle of Life is a living monument to nature. A contemplative space for expressing gratitude that life will be replenished\, the seasons will change\, and the sun will rise tomorrow. The interpretive environment is defined by: \n\nsteppingstone paths for meditative walks among artisan stone works with scenes from nature;\na 60’ circle of linden trees aligned with the directional points of a compass rose centerpiece;\nfull horizon vantage point to observe the sun’s celestial path during solstices and equinoxes;\na celebratory circle in tribute to past and future stewards of the land and surrounding burial sites;\na peaceful space with garden benches for reflection in situ.\n\ncongressionalcemetery.org/Circle-of-Life \nCircle of Life LANDSCAPE DESIGN \nThe Cemetery’s outdoor monument is designed to enhance the natural environment of this National Historic Landmark. Facing the southern horizon\, the hillside memorial offers full views of sunrise and sunset. Over centuries\, ancient civilizations and Native Americans have created circular spaces in such open landscapes to follow the sun’s movement and celebrate celestial moments in time. \nEstablishing a natural boundary for the Circle of Life\, eight linden trees were planted in a 60’ circle corresponding with the eight directional points of the compass rose (North\, South\, East\, West\, NE\, NW\, SE\, SW) to follow the sun’s trajectory. Over the coming decades the trees will provide a serene spot to rest beneath their shading canopy. Every spring and summer\, the flowering linden branches laden with scented blossoms will be a rich source of nectar for the nearby beehives. \nThe Circle of Life is in the cemetery’s SE quadrant on the hillside above the family vaults \n \nSteppingstone paths wander among granite engravings and scenes of nature. The trees\, stoneworks and open horizon invite visitors to pay homage to the environment by stopping\, listening\, walking\, and observing the surrounding flora and fauna. The slope overlooks humming beehives\, a row of venerable family tombs and a pet cemetery. In the distance beyond the tree line is the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. \n  \nSOLSTICE AND EQUINOX VANTAGE POINTS \nNot unlike the rituals of Stonehenge\, visitors can celebrate the change of seasons by tracking the sun’s path across the aligned symmetry of the circular ‘tree-henge.’ The summer solstice begins its long day’s journey from the NE linden tree. The sun intensifies and then mellows as it finally casts a shadow across the NW tree 16 hours later. The winter solstice dims the light and shortens the SE to SW solar track across the Circle’s southern horizon in just over 10 hours. \nWelcome rays of sun spread dancing tree shadows across the arc of the Circle during the vernal (spring) and autumnal (fall) equinoxes. Twice a year\, day and night are of equal lengths as the sun rises above the east tree\, moves directly across the center of the compass rose\, and sets 12 hours later beyond the west tree. \nCOMPASS ROSE & NATURE ENGRAVINGS  \nAt the heart of the Circle is a granite compass rose embedded with colorful and patterned pieces of stone that direct one’s gaze outward to the surrounding trees\, and inward to the monument’s core. Symbolically\, the four points or ‘winds’ of the compass represent:  infinite possibility\, the present\, the past\, and the future. \nThe compass ‘rose of the winds’ was used by ancient Greek mariners to chart their course at sea. Each star point of this terrestrial centerpiece radiates to the trunk of the corresponding tree around the Circle’s perimeter. \n \nAlong the north to south axis of the Circle\, and surrounding the centerpiece\, are eight engraved roundels that present a visual narrative of earth’s natural cycles. The 30” granite medallions portray the four seasons\, flora and fauna\, and sunrise and sunset. As simple contemporary depictions\, the rock carvings are somewhat akin to the petroglyphs left by indigenous peoples to teach\, warn\, or pass on significant messages to their descendants. \nFour centuries ago\, Piscataway and Anacostan tribes inhabited and roamed this area and left artifacts and hammered stones – later unearthed along the banks of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. Succeeding generations may interpret this sacred space and the granite engravings found within the Circle of Life as an appeal to environmental stewardship at a time when warming climate and pollution threaten our society. \nCONSERVATION AND NATURAL BURIAL  \nNatural or ‘green’ burials are designed to have minimal environmental impact and conserve earth’s resources. Congressional is the only cemetery in Washington DC that offers this eco-friendly option for interment. In keeping with its ecological focus\, the Circle of Life is a living memorial to those who choose this simple and sustainable end to their existence. \nIn a typical green burial\, the body is not cremated\, prepared with chemicals\, or buried in a concrete vault. It is simply placed in a biodegradable container or shroud and interred in a gravesite to decompose fully and return to nature. \nThe natural and organic disposition of one’s body is a gift to the earth – one that connects our end to the beginning of life for other living organisms. Science tells us that energy and matter cannot be created or destroyed\, only converted from one form to another. Green burial eases the transformation of biomass\, contributing to the complex ecosystem that continues the cycle of life. \nBACKGROUND & COLLABORATORS \nPlans for the Circle of Life memorial began in 2019.  A group of friends\, interested in the history of Congressional Cemetery and in green burial\, worked with cemetery staff to designate a space to honor environmentally friendly interment. \nIn partnership with Casey Trees\, linden trees were planted on the hillside to create a sylvan outdoor sanctuary within the cemetery’s hallowed grounds. \nThe granite stones were sourced\, engraved\, and installed by FRAM Monuments\, a local business providing memorial monuments to the Washington Baltimore community for over 100 years. \nGraphic designer and photographer David Posey of Alexandria\, VA\, graphically adapted selected images to produce the vector line art for the granite engravings. \nIn partnership with Congressional Cemetery\, the Circle of Life  was created and funded by Sharon Metcalf and Circle collaborators — Nancy Brennan\, Kay Tatum\, Mary Kay Blake and Margaret Tobey\, all of whom have chosen gravesites within the Circle for their final resting place. For more info\, email metcalf.sharon@gmail.com \nThe circle of trees\, engraved stones\, and native plantings are a gift to preserve the cemetery’s natural environment for generations to come.  congressionalcemetery.org/circle-of-life \nCongressional Cemetery: \nCongressional Cemetery\, a National Historic Landmark in Washington DC\, lies just one mile SE of Capitol Hill.. The 35-acre functioning cemetery\, memorial park\, and active public space\, serves as the final resting place for senators\, congressman\, Native American diplomats\, notables including John Philip Sousa\, Mathew Brady\, and J. Edgar Hoover\, and public citizens. Established in 1807\, the cemetery continues its traditions today to provide funeral ceremonies for those wishing to be buried among the 65\,000 designated gravesites. Congressional is also known throughout the city for its ongoing series of annual events\, Soul Strolls\, Twilight Tours\, Cinematery movie nights\, and other community programs. \n  \nClick here to download the Circle of Life PDF \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/circle-of-life-dedication-2/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Memorial
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220917T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220917T160000
DTSTAMP:20240915T221818Z
CREATED:20220809T235944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T221818Z
UID:10000692-1663423200-1663430400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Mathew Brady Memorial Dedication
DESCRIPTION:America\, especially the Washington area\, is steeped in the idea of Abraham Lincoln. 2022 marks two important anniversaries\, the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Lincoln Memorial and the 200th anniversary of renowned photographer Mathew Brady’s birthday. In this critical year\, historian Larry West will unveil a new Memorial to Brady in the very shadow of his own gravesite\, at Historic Congressional Cemetery (HCC). \nBelva Lockwood\, Library of Congress \n \nPlease join us on September 17\, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 PM for a dedication ceremony at the Historic Congressional Cemetery\, only a few miles from the original Brady Gallery of Washington and from the Douglass Cedar Hill House. The event is free to attend and complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.  Safe and comfortable footwear is recommended. Come and learn and relax and sink into positive America. \nAlcohol will be available to be purchased and several American history experts will be featured as speakers. Tickets are not required for entry but we ask that you please RSVP HERE. \nKnown as the Father of Photojournalism\, Brady stands as one of the most accomplished and celebrated photographers in American history. He was among the first to take an artistic approach to photography\, blending the science of daguerreotyping with a creative approach to lighting\, framing\, and composition. \n \nWalt Whitman\, Library of Congress \nHis art reflected the diversity of the American experience\, capturing stunning portraits of Americans of all races\, genders\, and backgrounds. Some of his clients included Abraham Lincoln\, Frederick Douglass\, Edgar Allen Poe\, and Belva Lockwood. As Congressional Cemetery is also a place for people of all backgrounds\, there is no more fitting place for a memorial to the man behind the camera. \nKnown for his studio portraits of notable 19th century individuals and his unprecedented photo documentation of the carnage of the Civil War\, Brady’s pioneering work stands as a testament to his place in the narrative of American history. \nThe Mathew Brady Memorial\, erected near Brady’s final resting place at Congressional Cemetery\, will celebrate Brady’s outstanding achievements but also reflect the diversity of his subjects and the Washington community. The memorial consists of life-sized bronze statues of President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass\, along with a life sized porcelain photo of Mathew Brady\,  made during the war\, with a replica of his camera\, in bronze. Visitors are welcome to pose for their own photos in the memorial! There is also a state-of-the-art image wall with over 86 images in porcelain by Italian artisans. It even includes a reproduction daguerreotype of a dog! Also\, be on the lookout for a special surprise built into the memorial. \nJohn Brown\, National Portrait Gallery   \nAfter remarks and light refreshments\, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds with light refreshments. The 4 speakers\, after their remarks\, will walk the grounds and randomly hand out 40 Frederick Douglass collectible quarters from the U.S. Mint. The coin features Cedar Hill\, the Washington D.C. home of Frederick and Anna Douglass. \nDouglass Quarter\, U.S. Mint \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nIn addition\, attendees are free to interact with a “show and tell” hands on display of REAL daguerreotypes\, ambrotypes\, tintypes\, porcelains\, and paper prints\, all of which were made and marketed by Brady’s New York and Washington Galleries. Visitors are also free to pick up a brochure from the Daguerreian Society if they wish to join. \nLarry West explains that “Lincoln was well-known for his sense of humor\, even with his Secretary of War. If he was here maybe he would let us borrow from one of his speech  es\, given at Dedication of a Memorial (The Gettysburg Memorial\, dedication of 1863)\, when he said: “It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this”. In our case\, we will take great liberties & relate it as the use of a bronze of him…\, the new Brady Memorial also has a fair focus on African American history & achievement. When you think about it\, that was also true of President Lincoln. Indeed\, greatly so\, across Emancipation and use of Black soldiers to help win the Civil War. So\, it’s especially important to include a life-size bronze of Frederick Douglass right by Lincoln in our Memorial. And to have a readable copy of the Emancipation of 1863\, in Lincoln’s left hand.” \nUlysses S. GrantLibrary of Congress \nAbraham Lincoln\, National Portrait Gallery \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nLarry and Congressional Cemetery hope that the new Memorial will allow visitors to meditate on the important crossroads of history\, photography\, and diversity that reflect our strengths as a Washington community and as Americans. \nFrederick Douglass\, Library of Congress \nAdelaide Johnson\, Architect of the Capitol \nHeader Image: Library of Congress
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/mathew-brady-memorial-dedication/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Dedication,Lecture,Memorial
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Brady-LOC-Cropped.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR