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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240727T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240727T150000
DTSTAMP:20240703T014515Z
CREATED:20240703T014515Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240703T014515Z
UID:10001180-1722085200-1722092400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Capitol Hill Muster at Congressional Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:Join Historic Congressional Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Saturday\, July 27th for a Capitol Hill Muster! This FREE event will include fife and drum live performances by groups such as:\n\nWilliam Diamond Junior Fife and Drum Corps (Lexington\, MA)\nGeorge Mason Patriots Fife and Drum Corps (Fairfax\, VA)\nMonumental City Ancient Fife and Drum Corps (Baltimore\, MD)\nMonocacy Field Music (Frederick\, MD)\nAnd more!\n\n\n\nThe live musical performances will be held near the Congressional Cemetery chapel and will be followed by a brief docent-led tour of the cemetery’s interred residents with a connection to the American Revolution.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/capitol-hill-muster-at-congressional-cemetery/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Logo2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240730T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240730T193000
DTSTAMP:20241008T151738Z
CREATED:20240628T212540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T151738Z
UID:10001175-1722362400-1722367800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Death over Drafts at Duffy's!
DESCRIPTION:Join us from 6-7:30pm at our favorite neighborhood pub for Death Over Drafts! \nWHERE? Duffy’s Irish Pub 1901 C St SE\, Washington\, DC 20003 \nThis is a free and informal gathering for the community that will be held monthly on the FINAL (get it?) Tuesday of the month. Come once or come monthly: no experience or expectations necessary! The event will be co-hosted by a “death doula” and a “death midwife” who love getting people to talk about this sometimes-taboo topic. \nThe founder of the Death Over Drafts movement\, Stefanie Elkins\, describes the goal as this: “Death over Drafts is a casual and fun community event to spark connection and is part of a growing movement to destigmatize important conversations on end-of-life.”  \nWhat to expect: \n\nThe event is free!\nAll are welcome!\nYou can still come if you don’t love beer\, there are other snacks and drinks! ;)\nThis is a super supportive community\, but we are not a support group.\nIn this communal environment\, we remind you to be responsible for your own engagement.\n\nAt Death Over Drafts\, the public can enjoy a fun conversation where death is not avoided. There’s no lecture\, but questions will be answered. You never know who you will sit next to\, very interesting fellow guests will be in our midst. We will also have a game called “Death Deck” on the table\, a Death Over Drafts favorite activity! \nEveryone dies\, and talking about it won’t kill us. \nYour hosts for the evening will be the Death Doula in Residence at Congressional Cemetery\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, and Death Midwife\, Robin Miniter. \nDon’t ghost us! Let us know to expect you by CLICKING HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-over-drafts-at-duffys/2024-07-30/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Join-us-for-Death-over-Drafts-at-Duffys.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240801T193000
DTSTAMP:20240916T130915Z
CREATED:20240201T033844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T130915Z
UID:10000992-1722535200-1722540600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:We welcome you to join us at one of our monthly Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery. \nAs an active burial ground\, Historic Congressional Cemetery is well acquainted with death\, but just what is a Death Cafe? \nDeath Cafe is a global movement to encourage discussion about the often-taboo subject of death. These are intimate informal gatherings where we discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea to remind us of comfort and sweetness even in difficult times. There is no agenda other than providing a space for an open-ended conversation. \nPlease join us to explore these topics in the spirit of curiosity and wonder. Please keep in mind these gatherings are not meant to offer or replace grief counseling. In the interest of privacy and being present\, we ask that these conversations remain in the room and there be no recording\, note-taking\, or personal details shared afterward. \nFollow this link for more about Death Cafe history and concept. \nAt Congressional Cemetery\, our Death Cafes are facilitated by a rotating slate of volunteers in the region\, each bringing their own unique energy and way to make space for the conversation. Our Death Doula in Residence\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, represents the cemetery  for these evenings. \nCongressional Cemetery offers these unique conversations free of charge\, and offers tea and sweets in the tradition of death cafes around the world. We do ask that you consider bringing a food or beverage item to share\, or a suggested $5 donation\, to help cover event costs. \nDue to space limitations and to allow us to offer an intimate conversation\, please reserve a chair for the dates you will be joining us. To be on the waitlist for any unavailable dates\, use the form or please email Laura at deathdoula@congressionalcemetery.org \nRESERVE A SEAT AT AN UPCOMING DEATH CAFE HERE \nFacilitators for 2024: \nMarch 7     Sarah La Rocca (Congressional Cemetery) \nApril 4    Laura Lyster-Mensh (Congressional Cemetery) \nMay 2     Robin Miniter \nJune 6     Diane Ullius \nAugust 1     AJ Orlikoff (Congressional Cemetery) \nSeptember 5    Kitty Linton (Congressional Cemetery) \nOctober 3     Lisa Yanez \nNovember 14    Sam Stebbins \nDecember 5     Lisa Munsat
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-cafe-at-congressional-cemetery/2024-08-01/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness,Death Cafe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Death-Cafe-Tea-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240802T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240802T223000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225913Z
CREATED:20240430T200136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225913Z
UID:10001059-1722625200-1722637800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Cinematery: The Haunted Mansion
DESCRIPTION:  \nAt Cinematery\, you never know who or what may be lurking behind the nearest tombstone…wait\, is that Eddie Murphy?? For this Cinematery screening\, we are going all the way back to 2003 to showcase this comedy-horror classic! \nCinematery is our annual outdoor summer film screenings. Held on the cemetery grounds\, this one-of-a-kind event allows you to enjoy the ambiance of the cemetery after dark while taking in a classic film with friends and family. So pack your chairs or picnic blanket and whatever tasty treats you enjoy and plan to join us for an exclusive picnic at an atmospheric National Historic Landmark. Join us for an evening under the stars! \nFeel free to bring your own beverages and food. Alcohol is permitted and will also be for sale. Keep in mind that all guests will be ID checked upon entry. We also recommend bringing your own blankets\, low lying lawn chairs\, etc. Please do NOT bring chairs that may obstruct the view of those behind you. \nGates open about an hour before sunset and the movie begins at sunset. (for this showing\, gates will open at 7:00 and the film will start at 8:30) Times are adjusted for earlier sundown times. \nReservations are required. The recommended donation is $10 per person\, although you are welcome to give more. \nWe are grateful for the support of Alamo Drafthouse for providing free tickets (available via FREE raffle) for a film screening at Alamo Drafthouse DC Bryant Street. \n \nPlease note the rain date for this event\, August 9.\nYou may purchase your tickets below. \n \nWe would like to thank our community partner and neighbor Fulcrum Properties Group for sponsoring the Cinematery screen and complimentary popcorn. \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/cinematery-the-haunted-mansion/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cinematery,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/haunted-mansion.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240803T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240803T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001016-1722682800-1722688200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-08-03/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240810T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240810T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001017-1723287600-1723293000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-08-10/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240817T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240817T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001018-1723892400-1723897800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-08-17/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240824T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240824T123000
DTSTAMP:20240917T203038Z
CREATED:20240803T003803Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240917T203038Z
UID:10001194-1724495400-1724502600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Cemetery Speaker Series: The Battle of Bladensburg and the Burning of Washington
DESCRIPTION:Approximately 210 years ago\, on August 24\, 1814\, American forces under the command of Brigadier General William Winder maneuvered to defend the nation’s capital. Among these Americans were Washingtonians\, citizen soldiers serving in the 1st and 2nd District of Columbia Militia Regiments. These carpenters\, lawyers\, shoemakers\, and citizens of all types rushed to the defend the city against a British strike force. Despite their valor\, American forces were routed and British forces set fire to Washington. Notably\, public buildings such as the President’s House (now known as the White House) and the Washington Navy Yard were put to the torch. Undaunted\, Washingtonians patriotically served before\, during\, and after the events of August 24. American forces would go on to win a decisive victory over the British at the Battle of Baltimore and\, in due course\, rebuild the nation’s capital. \nWe hope that you will join at this special Cemetery Speaker Series event to explore the Battle of Bladensburg and the Burning of Washington. Dr. Glenn F. Williams\, a retired Army officer and historian\, will be providing an overview presentation of the battle. After\, the attendees of the speaker series will join the cemetery staff for a wreath laying ceremony in conjunction with the District of Columbia National Guard. This ceremony is a separate program available to the public for free. Please click here  for more information about the ceremony.  After the ceremony\, ticketed attendees of the Cemetery Speaker Series will join one of our docents for a tour of the graves and memorials associated with the Battle of Bladensburg/Burning of Washington. \nTickets are only $5 and all proceeds go to benefit our non-profit mission of historical preservation and education. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot today! Keynote remarks will take place either outside or inside the Chapel\, weather depending\, and the walking tour will take place on the grounds. The tour is approximately 45 minutes in length. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe event is rain or shine. Smoking is prohibited and dogs are not allowed to attend the event unless they are a service animal. \n   \nYou may reserve your spot below.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/cemetery-speaker-series-the-battle-of-bladensburg-and-the-burning-of-washington/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Lecture,No Dogs Allowed,Speaker Series,Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/81j59LK-qfL._AC_UF8941000_QL80_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240824T111500
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240824T114500
DTSTAMP:20240915T230211Z
CREATED:20240808T185452Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T230211Z
UID:10001197-1724498100-1724499900@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Battle of Bladensburg Wreath Laying Ceremony with the District of Columbia National Guard
DESCRIPTION:This year marks the 210th anniversary of The Battle of Bladensburg during the War of 1812. It was the first in a series of major engagements between U.S. and British forces during the Chesapeake Campaign of 1814. The result was a decisive victory for Great Britain and an embarrassing defeat for the United States\, resulting in the raiding and burning of the nation’s capital. Although the “Bladensburg Races” remains an infamous moment in U.S. military history\, it was a defeat from which Americans quickly learned several weeks later during the Battle of Baltimore. \nThe Battle of Bladensburg remains embedded in the DNA of the District of Columbia National Guard. Citizen Soldiers serving in the 1st and 2nd District of Columbia Militia Regiments defended the city. They were artisans\, shopkeepers\, printers\, teamsters\, dock workers\, lawyers\, clerks\, teachers\, and doctors who served valiantly before\, during\, and after the events of August 24. Dozens of these individuals who fought are interred at Historic Congressional Cemetery. \nOn Aug. 24\, we hope that you will join Historic Congressional Cemetery in collaboration with the District of Columbia National Guard for a Battle of Bladensburg wreath ceremony at 11:15 a.m. honoring the dozens of D.C. Militia members buried there who fought in the Battle of Bladensburg. The ceremony will feature remarks from various speakers followed by a wreath laying at the grave of Captain Peter Lenox\, a DC Militia veteran. \nPlease note that this event is running concurrently with the Congressional Cemetery Speaker Series event on the Battle of Bladensburg.  \n \nRSVP\nThe ceremony is free to attend but we ask that you please RSVP here.\nThe event is rain or shine. Smoking is prohibited and dogs are not allowed to attend the event unless they are a service animal. \nWe highly recommend dressing for the elements. Please also wear appropriate footwear due to the uneven ground in the cemetery.  \nGetting Here \nWe strongly encourage public transportation to get to Congressional Cemetery. The closest metro station to Congressional Cemetery is Stadium Armory\, located on the Orange/Blue/Silver lines. Bikes may be locked inside the cemetery. There is limited street parking\, but we advise visitors to closely read parking signs before finding a spot \n  \nTo learn more about the Cemetery Speaker Series\, check out our main page HERE.
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/battle-of-bladensburg-wreath-laying-ceremony-with-the-district-of-columbia-national-guard/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:No Dogs Allowed,Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/1-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240827T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240827T193000
DTSTAMP:20241008T151738Z
CREATED:20240628T212540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T151738Z
UID:10001176-1724781600-1724787000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Death over Drafts at Duffy's!
DESCRIPTION:Join us from 6-7:30pm at our favorite neighborhood pub for Death Over Drafts! \nWHERE? Duffy’s Irish Pub 1901 C St SE\, Washington\, DC 20003 \nThis is a free and informal gathering for the community that will be held monthly on the FINAL (get it?) Tuesday of the month. Come once or come monthly: no experience or expectations necessary! The event will be co-hosted by a “death doula” and a “death midwife” who love getting people to talk about this sometimes-taboo topic. \nThe founder of the Death Over Drafts movement\, Stefanie Elkins\, describes the goal as this: “Death over Drafts is a casual and fun community event to spark connection and is part of a growing movement to destigmatize important conversations on end-of-life.”  \nWhat to expect: \n\nThe event is free!\nAll are welcome!\nYou can still come if you don’t love beer\, there are other snacks and drinks! ;)\nThis is a super supportive community\, but we are not a support group.\nIn this communal environment\, we remind you to be responsible for your own engagement.\n\nAt Death Over Drafts\, the public can enjoy a fun conversation where death is not avoided. There’s no lecture\, but questions will be answered. You never know who you will sit next to\, very interesting fellow guests will be in our midst. We will also have a game called “Death Deck” on the table\, a Death Over Drafts favorite activity! \nEveryone dies\, and talking about it won’t kill us. \nYour hosts for the evening will be the Death Doula in Residence at Congressional Cemetery\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, and Death Midwife\, Robin Miniter. \nDon’t ghost us! Let us know to expect you by CLICKING HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-over-drafts-at-duffys/2024-08-27/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Join-us-for-Death-over-Drafts-at-Duffys.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T120000
DTSTAMP:20240916T132418Z
CREATED:20240802T213028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T132418Z
UID:10001195-1725098400-1725105600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Design your own Epitaph & Tombstone Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Designing your own gravestone and epitaph is a form of autobiography. How do you sum up your life in a single glance? What message do you want so durably created? \nJoin us at 10 AM\, August 31st\, for a FREE workshop and death awareness activity at Congressional Cemetery. \nBring your curious self\, any writing implement and paper you prefer\, and walking shoes for visiting graves on uneven ground. Special credit for bringing quill and ink on parchment. \nOur Death Doula in Residence\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, will help us consider what information and imagery we wish to leave behind. We will visit a few graves in the cemetery for inspiration. We will also consider types of stone\, aesthetic preferences\, and how memorial styles evolve over time. \nMost of all\, we will practice thinking of ourselves as mortals and imagine what meaning and legacy matter most to us when we are no longer here to speak or edit it. \nNo prior knowledge or artistic talent is required—just a willingness to reflect on ourselves and the memories we want to craft with our lives. \nAny questions? Email Laura at deathdoula@congressionalcemetery.org \nRSVP for this event HERE!\nDonations to our foundation support this free program. The suggested donation for our Death Dialogues gatherings is $5\, but more generous support gives more people access to these programs. \nFor more information on our Death Dialogue programming\, click HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/design-your-own-epitaph-tombstone-workshop/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness,Death Dialogues
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DSC00090SM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240831T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001019-1725102000-1725107400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-08-31/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240901T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240901T170000
DTSTAMP:20240814T221129Z
CREATED:20240814T221129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240814T221129Z
UID:10001200-1725206400-1725210000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:September Artist Meet and Greet at the Big Chair
DESCRIPTION:Join HCC in a Meet the Artists gathering at the Big Chair\, September 1st at 4 PM!\nCome for a meet and greet with the Big Chair’s Artist\, Heather Sabarese\, accompanied by frequent HCC art contributor\, Elizabeth Marik\, for a design commemorating Suicide Awareness Month 2024.\nThis September marks a year since Heather and her son\, Aiden\, were chosen to create the first “Stories of Hope” installation at the Big Chair in awareness of suicide prevention. Their lighthouse design and painting were featured for three months last year. The topic was and is personal: they had lost her nephew (his cousin)\, Justin\, to suicide that year. \nEarlier this year\, Aiden also lost his life to suicide. A copy of his Godzilla tattoo is now an ongoing feature of the Big Chair. \nThe design for 2024 incorporates\, in the words of Heather\, “the colors of suicide prevention\, which are light purple and teal. I…also… incorporate[d] some cats as Justin and Aiden are both cat dads and I have been reading about them– Mythology of cats and death. Many cultures have cat or goddesses that play a role in the death process such as Bastet\, Madfet\, Kasha\, and Freya’s cat.” \nJoin us Sunday\, September 1 at 4:00pm – refreshments and remarks at the Big Chair next to HCC’s Gate Entrance. \nThis event is Free to the public and requires no RSVP. \nThis installation is part of The Big Chair Project: Messages of Hope. By and for the Congressional Cemetery community\, we welcome artists (of all skills and experience levels) to propose installations and\, if chosen\, we provide the paint and brushes and cheer you on. \nIf you are interested in participating in painting the Big Chair\, please inquire in the gatehouse or email: DeathDoula@congressionalcemetery.org
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/september-artist-meet-and-greet-at-the-big-chair/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Big Chair\, 1801 E St SE\, Washington\, DC\, 20002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_5400.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240905T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240905T193000
DTSTAMP:20240916T130915Z
CREATED:20240201T033844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T130915Z
UID:10000993-1725559200-1725564600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Death Cafe at Congressional Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:We welcome you to join us at one of our monthly Death Cafes at Historic Congressional Cemetery. \nAs an active burial ground\, Historic Congressional Cemetery is well acquainted with death\, but just what is a Death Cafe? \nDeath Cafe is a global movement to encourage discussion about the often-taboo subject of death. These are intimate informal gatherings where we discuss death while eating cake and drinking tea to remind us of comfort and sweetness even in difficult times. There is no agenda other than providing a space for an open-ended conversation. \nPlease join us to explore these topics in the spirit of curiosity and wonder. Please keep in mind these gatherings are not meant to offer or replace grief counseling. In the interest of privacy and being present\, we ask that these conversations remain in the room and there be no recording\, note-taking\, or personal details shared afterward. \nFollow this link for more about Death Cafe history and concept. \nAt Congressional Cemetery\, our Death Cafes are facilitated by a rotating slate of volunteers in the region\, each bringing their own unique energy and way to make space for the conversation. Our Death Doula in Residence\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, represents the cemetery  for these evenings. \nCongressional Cemetery offers these unique conversations free of charge\, and offers tea and sweets in the tradition of death cafes around the world. We do ask that you consider bringing a food or beverage item to share\, or a suggested $5 donation\, to help cover event costs. \nDue to space limitations and to allow us to offer an intimate conversation\, please reserve a chair for the dates you will be joining us. To be on the waitlist for any unavailable dates\, use the form or please email Laura at deathdoula@congressionalcemetery.org \nRESERVE A SEAT AT AN UPCOMING DEATH CAFE HERE \nFacilitators for 2024: \nMarch 7     Sarah La Rocca (Congressional Cemetery) \nApril 4    Laura Lyster-Mensh (Congressional Cemetery) \nMay 2     Robin Miniter \nJune 6     Diane Ullius \nAugust 1     AJ Orlikoff (Congressional Cemetery) \nSeptember 5    Kitty Linton (Congressional Cemetery) \nOctober 3     Lisa Yanez \nNovember 14    Sam Stebbins \nDecember 5     Lisa Munsat
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-cafe-at-congressional-cemetery/2024-09-05/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness,Death Cafe
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Death-Cafe-Tea-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240906T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240906T220000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225914Z
CREATED:20240430T200203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225914Z
UID:10001060-1725649200-1725660000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Cinematery: Casper
DESCRIPTION:  \nWhile ghosts may be scary\, they can be friendly too. Casper is not only a friendly ghost\, he is the featured conclusion to Summer of Spirits extravaganza. This family friendly classic is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and to usher in the cool fall air of spooky season. \nCinematery is our annual outdoor summer film screenings. Held on the cemetery grounds\, this one-of-a-kind event allows you to enjoy the ambiance of the cemetery after dark while taking in a classic film with friends and family. So pack your chairs or picnic blanket and whatever tasty treats you enjoy and plan to join us for an exclusive picnic at an atmospheric National Historic Landmark. Join us for an evening under the stars! \nFeel free to bring your own beverages and food. Alcohol is permitted and will also be for sale. Keep in mind that all guests will be ID checked upon entry. We also recommend bringing your own blankets\, low lying lawn chairs\, etc. Please do NOT bring chairs that may obstruct the view of those behind you. \nGates open about an hour before sunset and the movie begins at sunset. (for this showing\, gates open at 7:00 and the movie will begin between 8:15 and 8:30). Times are adjusted for earlier sundown times. \nReservations are required. The recommended donation is $10 per person\, although you are welcome to give more. \nWe are grateful for the support of Alamo Drafthouse for providing free tickets (available via FREE raffle) for a film screening at Alamo Drafthouse DC Bryant Street. \n \nPlease note the rain date for this event\, September 13.\nYou may purchase your tickets below. \n \nWe would like to thank our community partner and neighbor Fulcrum Properties Group for sponsoring the Cinematery screen and complimentary popcorn. \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/cinematery-casper/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cinematery,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/casper.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240907T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240907T120000
DTSTAMP:20250625T180152Z
CREATED:20240731T190725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T180152Z
UID:10001193-1725703200-1725710400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Mausoleums and Manuscripts: A Congressional Writer's Group
DESCRIPTION:Is your motivation to write giving up the ghost? Have you lost your plot\, or maybe you need to find one on the grounds? Are the muses as silent as the grave for you? \nHere at HCC\, we have a solution! Join our Writing Group: Mausoleums and Manuscripts! \nIn our pursuit to support the arts\, we’ve decided to invite the artists to us by creating a community of authors. Every other Saturday\, barring major event programming\, we will have M&M Writing Group meet in the gatehouse at 10 AM for two hours of support\, accountability\, and dedictated time to hone your writing craft. Snacks\, tea\, and coffee will be available\, and writing prompts and exercises will be provided! \nTo make sure we have enough room and resources\, each week will be limited to 15 people\, so sign up fast if you’re interested! And if you want to support the cemetery and its mission\, please consider making a donation. \nLocation: Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM every other Saturday \nAgenda:\n10:00-10:20: Socializing and Settling in\n10:20-10:30: Introduction to Today’s Exercises/Prompts\n10:30-11:30: Write!\n11:30-12:00: Sharing/Reflecting/Group Discussion \nPlease bring your own preferred method of writing. Writers of all levels and genres welcome!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/mausoleums-and-manuscripts-a-congressional-writers-group-2/2024-09-07/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DSC00324.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240907T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240907T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001020-1725706800-1725712200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-09-07/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240910T200000
DTSTAMP:20240916T203046Z
CREATED:20240711T200102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T203046Z
UID:10001182-1725993000-1725998400@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Tombs and Tomes Book Club September (In Person)
DESCRIPTION:“Utterly fascinating.” —Bill Bryson A groundbreaking exploration of the science of why and how we age and die—from Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan. The knowledge of death is so terrifying that we live most of our lives in denial of it. Throughout human history—from the immortal afterlife of Judeo-Christian thought to the cycle of reincarnation posited by many Eastern religions—we have developed beliefs that allow us to avoid recognizing its finality. One of the most difficult moments of childhood must be when each of us first realizes that not only we but all our loved ones will die—and there is nothing we can do about it. Or at least\, there hasn’t been. Today\, we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in understanding why we age—and why some species live longer than others. Could we eventually cheat disease and death and live for a very long time\, possibly many times our current lifespan? \nStill interested? Sign up here!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/tombs-and-tomes-book-club-september-in-person/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Club - In Person,Tombs & Tomes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/61uSLTdzADL._SL1500_-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240911T200000
DTSTAMP:20240916T204637Z
CREATED:20240711T200243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T204637Z
UID:10001183-1726079400-1726084800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Tombs and Tomes Book Club September (Virtual)
DESCRIPTION:“Utterly fascinating.” —Bill Bryson A groundbreaking exploration of the science of why and how we age and die—from Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan. The knowledge of death is so terrifying that we live most of our lives in denial of it. Throughout human history—from the immortal afterlife of Judeo-Christian thought to the cycle of reincarnation posited by many Eastern religions—we have developed beliefs that allow us to avoid recognizing its finality. One of the most difficult moments of childhood must be when each of us first realizes that not only we but all our loved ones will die—and there is nothing we can do about it. Or at least\, there hasn’t been. Today\, we are living through a revolution in biology. Giant strides are being made in understanding why we age—and why some species live longer than others. Could we eventually cheat disease and death and live for a very long time\, possibly many times our current lifespan? \nStill interested? Sign up here!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/tombs-and-tomes-book-club-september-virtual/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Club - In Person,Tombs & Tomes
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/61uSLTdzADL._SL1500_-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240913T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240913T223000
DTSTAMP:20240915T230234Z
CREATED:20240912T002237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T230234Z
UID:10001209-1726254000-1726266600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Cinematery: The Sixth Sense
DESCRIPTION:  \nNOTE: This event is the July Cinematery that has now been rescheduled for this new date. This screening is FREE for everyone but reservations are required\, with those with tickets the original July screening given first opportunity to reserve their free spot.  \nI see dead people…and live people in the cemetery for Cinematery! We are so excited to bring the Bruce Willis led spooky thriller The Sixth Sense to Cinematery! \nCinematery is our annual outdoor summer film screenings. Held on the cemetery grounds\, this one-of-a-kind event allows you to enjoy the ambiance of the cemetery after dark while taking in a classic film with friends and family. So pack your chairs or picnic blanket and whatever tasty treats you enjoy and plan to join us for an exclusive picnic at an atmospheric National Historic Landmark. Join us for an evening under the stars! \nFeel free to bring your own beverages and food. Alcohol is permitted and will also be for sale. Keep in mind that all guests will be ID checked upon entry. We also recommend bringing your own blankets\, low lying lawn chairs\, etc. Please do NOT bring chairs that may obstruct the view of those behind you. \nGates open about an hour before sunset and the movie begins at sunset (for this film\, gates open at 7:00 and the film will begin around 815). \nThere is NO rain date for this event. \nYou may reserve your free tickets HERE!\n \nWe would like to thank our community partner and neighbor Fulcrum Properties Group for sponsoring the Cinematery screen and complimentary popcorn \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/cinematery-the-sixth-sense-2/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Cinematery,No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/sixth-sense.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240914T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240914T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T230137Z
CREATED:20240719T203703Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T230137Z
UID:10001186-1726311600-1726317000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Lincoln Assassination Tour
DESCRIPTION:Back by popular demand! This is your chance to experience our one of a kind Lincoln Assassination Tour if you missed the Cemetery Speaker Series earlier this year. \nOn April 14\, 1865\, President Abraham Lincoln was shot in the head while watching a play at Ford’s Theatre. The assassin\, John Wilkes Booth\, jumped to the stage floor and fled. The next day\, April 15\, President Lincoln died as a result of his wounds. With Booth’s escape\, the largest manhunt in American history ensued as law enforcement and military searched for the assassin. Aided by fellow conspirators such as David Herold\, Booth evaded authorities until Army soldiers located Booth at a local farm. Surrounded\, Booth was shot and killed in that fateful confrontation. Eventually\, 8 other conspirators\, including Herold\, were implicated in the conspiracy and subsequently executed after a trial by military tribunal. \n \nThe story of the 16th President’s assassination is a well known one. Hundreds of books\, thousands of articles\, and dozens of special exhibits are just some of the ways this story has been told. But have you ever seen the story told using the graves of those involved with the assassination? \nPlease join one of our expert docents for a tour of the graves and memorials associated with the assassination at Congressional Cemetery. \nTickets are only $5 and all proceeds go to benefitting our non-profit mission of historical preservation and education. Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe event is rain or shine and you may meet the docent near our front gate. \n \n  \nPurchase your tickets below!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/lincoln-assassination-tour-2/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DSC00314SM.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T120000
DTSTAMP:20250625T180152Z
CREATED:20240731T190725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T180152Z
UID:10001302-1726912800-1726920000@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Mausoleums and Manuscripts: A Congressional Writer's Group
DESCRIPTION:Is your motivation to write giving up the ghost? Have you lost your plot\, or maybe you need to find one on the grounds? Are the muses as silent as the grave for you? \nHere at HCC\, we have a solution! Join our Writing Group: Mausoleums and Manuscripts! \nIn our pursuit to support the arts\, we’ve decided to invite the artists to us by creating a community of authors. Every other Saturday\, barring major event programming\, we will have M&M Writing Group meet in the gatehouse at 10 AM for two hours of support\, accountability\, and dedictated time to hone your writing craft. Snacks\, tea\, and coffee will be available\, and writing prompts and exercises will be provided! \nTo make sure we have enough room and resources\, each week will be limited to 15 people\, so sign up fast if you’re interested! And if you want to support the cemetery and its mission\, please consider making a donation. \nLocation: Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\nTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM every other Saturday \nAgenda:\n10:00-10:20: Socializing and Settling in\n10:20-10:30: Introduction to Today’s Exercises/Prompts\n10:30-11:30: Write!\n11:30-12:00: Sharing/Reflecting/Group Discussion \nPlease bring your own preferred method of writing. Writers of all levels and genres welcome!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/mausoleums-and-manuscripts-a-congressional-writers-group-2/2024-09-21/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DSC00324.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001021-1726916400-1726921800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-09-21/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240921T150000
DTSTAMP:20251024T195509Z
CREATED:20240917T142313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T195509Z
UID:10001305-1726916400-1726930800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Closed to Dogs
DESCRIPTION:Congressional Cemetery is closed to all dogs each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family grave site visits as well as during: \nFunerals  |  Private & community events  |  Federal holidays
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/closed-to-dogs/2024-09-21/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/backlit-dog.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240922T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240922T190000
DTSTAMP:20240915T230147Z
CREATED:20240723T222652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T230147Z
UID:10001190-1727024400-1727031600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Circle of Life Fall Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Join the revelry during Autumn’s Equinox\nMarch with Batalá to celebrate the Equinox and kick off Congressional Cemetery’s series of Fall Events. \nSunday\, September 22\, 5:00pm* – 7:00pm \n*The drumming performance and march will begin at the cemetery’s front gate promptly @ 5:00 pm. \n \nBatalá\, Washington’s Afro-Brazilian all-female percussion band\, will lead spectators in a musical procession from HCC’s front gate to the tree-henge surrounding the Circle of Life. \n\nJoin the spirited walking parade with the rhythm of Samba-Reggae drums ( in the tradition of a New Orleans ‘Second Line’ procession)\nHear about exciting new cemetery initiatives and upcoming events\nCelebrate within the Circle of Life as the sun slips over the Western horizon\nEnjoy light refreshments in the Chapel following the event\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 an interpretive work of land art that celebrates nature’s perseverance. Rooted upon the cemetery’s hillside\, the distinctive ring of eight trees forms a living ‘tree-henge.’ Each young tree was precisely planted to align with a cardinal point of the compass sundial in the center. \nThe arboreal circle surrounds a labyrinthian path that meanders through a series of earthen artworks. An assemblage of benches invites passers-by to sit\, reflect\, and enjoy the surrounding landscape. \nThe earthwork design is defined by: \n\nSteppingstone paths between granite stoneworks engraved with scenes from nature;\na vantage point to observe the sun’s celestial path during solstices and equinoxes;\na 60-foot circle of linden trees aligned with the directional points of a compass rose;\na celebratory site to pay tribute to past and future stewards of the natural environment;\na peaceful space for meditating on garden benches in situ.\n\ncongressionalcemetery.org/Circle-of-Life \nThe Circle of Life is in the cemetery’s SE quadrant\, on the hillside above the family vaults as shown. \nENVIORNMENTAL LAND ART  \nLand art (also known as earth art) is an art form that connects people with their surroundings and is created using natural materials such as soil\, stones\, trees and vegetation. Inherently linked to the landscape\, earthen artworks are left in the open and change over time with seasons and weather. The Circle of Life design\, inspired by the Earthworks Art Movement\, was created with minimalist simplicity — blending the contours of the hillside with the hallowed ground of this National Historic Landmark. \nIn 2020\, Casey Trees planted eight linden tree saplings in a ‘tree-henge’ design to form a natural boundary for the Circle of Life. As the linden trees mature over 30 years to become 50’- 65’ in height\, each with branches extending 25’ wide\, their limbs will interlock to form a shade canopy. Each tree will cast its corresponding shadow across the compass centerpiece to mark the seasons of the year. \nSerpentine 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 a humming bee yard\, 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 \nWinter solstice setting sun – December 22\, 2022 \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 ‘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  \n \nAt the heart of the Circle is a terrestrial compass rose embedded with colorful points of stone that direct one’s gaze outward to the surrounding trees\, and inward to the monument’s core. Each tree is positioned to correspond to one of the eight directional points of the compass (North\, South\, East\, West\, NE\, NW\, SE\, SW). \nAt sea\, ancient Greek mariners used a ‘rose of the winds’ sextant to chart their course. Symbolically\, the four points or ‘winds’ of the compass represent: infinite possibility\, the present\, the past\, and the future. \nAlong the north to south axis of the Circle\, and surrounding the compass\, are eight engraved roundels that present a visual narrative of earth’s natural cycles. The  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. \n \nHistorically\, Native Americans and ancient civilizations carved out comparable spaces in open landscapes to follow the sun’s movement and celebrate the seasons. Four centuries ago\, the Anacostan\, Nacotchtank\, and Piscataway tribes inhabited and roamed this area and left behind artifacts and hammered stones – later unearthed along the banks of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Future generations may interpret this sacred space and the granite engravings found within the Circle as an appeal to environmental stewardship at a time when warming climate and pollution threatened our society. \n  \nCONSERVATION AND NATURAL BURIAL \nNatural or ‘green’ burials are designed to have minimal environmental impact and conserve earth’s resources. In keeping with its ecological focus\, Congressional is the only cemetery in Washington DC that offers this option for eco-friendly interment. The Circle of Life pays tribute 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. The natural and organic disposition of one’s body can be 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 and contributes to the complex ecosystem that continues the cycle of life. \nBACKGROUND & COLLABORATORS \nPlans for the Circle of Life began in 2019 when a group of friends\, interested in the history of Congressional Cemetery and in green burial\, collaborated with cemetery staff and Casey Trees to plant a grove of trees and create a sylvan sanctuary on the relatively barren SE hillside. \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 chose gravesites within the Circle for their final resting place. For details\, email metcalf.sharon@gmail.com . \nThe granite stones were sourced\, engraved\, and installed by FRAM Monument Company\, a local business providing memorial monuments to the Washington Baltimore community for over 100 years.   \n Graphic designer and photographer David Posey of Alexandria\, VA\, graphically adapted selected images to produce the vector line art for the granite engravings. \nThe circle of trees\, engraved stones\, and native plantings are a gift to preserve the cemetery’s natural environment for future generations. \ncongressionalcemetery.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. \nClick here to download the Circle of Life PDF!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/circle-of-life-fall-celebration/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Concert,Festival
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240924T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240924T193000
DTSTAMP:20241008T151738Z
CREATED:20240628T212540Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T151738Z
UID:10001177-1727200800-1727206200@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Death over Drafts at Duffy's!
DESCRIPTION:Join us from 6-7:30pm at our favorite neighborhood pub for Death Over Drafts! \nWHERE? Duffy’s Irish Pub 1901 C St SE\, Washington\, DC 20003 \nThis is a free and informal gathering for the community that will be held monthly on the FINAL (get it?) Tuesday of the month. Come once or come monthly: no experience or expectations necessary! The event will be co-hosted by a “death doula” and a “death midwife” who love getting people to talk about this sometimes-taboo topic. \nThe founder of the Death Over Drafts movement\, Stefanie Elkins\, describes the goal as this: “Death over Drafts is a casual and fun community event to spark connection and is part of a growing movement to destigmatize important conversations on end-of-life.”  \nWhat to expect: \n\nThe event is free!\nAll are welcome!\nYou can still come if you don’t love beer\, there are other snacks and drinks! ;)\nThis is a super supportive community\, but we are not a support group.\nIn this communal environment\, we remind you to be responsible for your own engagement.\n\nAt Death Over Drafts\, the public can enjoy a fun conversation where death is not avoided. There’s no lecture\, but questions will be answered. You never know who you will sit next to\, very interesting fellow guests will be in our midst. We will also have a game called “Death Deck” on the table\, a Death Over Drafts favorite activity! \nEveryone dies\, and talking about it won’t kill us. \nYour hosts for the evening will be the Death Doula in Residence at Congressional Cemetery\, Laura Lyster-Mensh\, and Death Midwife\, Robin Miniter. \nDon’t ghost us! Let us know to expect you by CLICKING HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/death-over-drafts-at-duffys/2024-09-24/
LOCATION:DC
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Join-us-for-Death-over-Drafts-at-Duffys.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240927T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240927T210000
DTSTAMP:20240919T141606Z
CREATED:20240827T213500Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240919T141606Z
UID:10001181-1727463600-1727470800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with the Residents: A Comedy Show at the Congressional Cemetery
DESCRIPTION:An Evening with the Residents: A Comedy Show at the Congressional Cemetery\nThe Congressional Cemetery is pleased to host an uproariously funny comedy show in our on-site chapel. An Evening with the Residents\, so named to recognize the affectionate nickname for the permanent “residents” of the Congressional Cemetery\, will feature some of DC’s top comedians bringing their best thematic material to the stage. Get your tickets today—this is a rare opportunity to spend an evening of live entertainment in one of DC’s historic\, revered landmarks. \nDoors Open at 7:00 PM in the HCC Chapel. \nOUR COMICS!\n Stacey Axler:\nStacey Axler has been performing regularly since 2021\, at shows and clubs throughout DC and\nMaryland. Stacey has performed in comedy festivals such as the North Carolina Comedy\nFestival\, Solocom in NYC and the Sixth City Comedy Festival. Stacey also hosts a monthly\nstandup show. \nJoey Friedman:\nJoey began performing at her parent’s dinner table in Monsey\, NY. As a cancer survivor\, she has\nnothing to fear and delivers jokes with an unshakable frankness. She can be found regularly\nhosting and featuring at the DC Improv for acts such as Louis Katz\, Brad Williams\, Emily Catalano\nand AdamRay. Most recently\, she featured in Ari Shaffir’s upcoming special. Every year\, she\nco-produces alongside Improbable Comedy and Cyrus Chansler\, a special fundraiser stand up\nshow\, Sense of Tumor\, featuring all survivors\, thrivers and caregivers. \nRebecka Green:\nRebecka Green moved to DC in 2021 from rural Iowa with the public intention of wanting a big\ncity moment\, and with the quiet intention of pursuing standup comedy. As the Midwest-grown\ndaughter of a Swedish computer scientist and a religion professor\, her on-stage presence is a\ncombination of disarming Midwestern and dry Scandinavian humor\, and her comedy focuses on\nall things family\, religion\, city life (rats)\, and pop culture. She appears on some of the city’s\nbest-known stages\, such as the DC Improv\, Hotbed\, and Room 808. \nPatty Mata:\nPatty is a DC based comic\, originally from Canada\, who has hosted at the Arlington Drafthouse\nfor Adam Conover\, Dulce Sloan and Matt Friendly. When Patty isn’t doing comedy\, she is a local\nsocial worker who is desperately trying not to get deported. She enjoys poking fun at the state\nof the country’s affairs and will accept maple syrup as a tradable good. \nTre Solo:\nTre’ grew up a military brat by way of Atlanta and Beaumont Texas. Tre started doing stand-up\ncomedy after being in the Navy. His material consists of stories from the military\, living around\nthe world\, and being raised by an uncanny southern family. Tre’ makes the audience laugh by\nmaking seemingly outrageous life experiences relatable to the audience. \nWinston Hodges:\nWinston Hodges is from Washington DC by way of Virginia. He’s toured all over the east coast\nshowcasing his southern charm and edgy wit. He’s been featured on Don’t Tell Comedy Secret\nSets\, and his videos have been viewed over a combined 20 million times online. He hosts the\nDog Namepodcast\, and his award winning special Grieving Productively is available on YouTube\nand his label debut album Already Aware is available on Apple/Spotify/Amazon. Winston has\nopened for Demetri Martin\, Brian Regan\, Mark Normand\, Michael Che\, and Dave Attell\, to\nname a few. \nGet your tickets below!
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/an-evening-with-the-residents-a-comedy-show-at-the-congressional-cemetery/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Chapel\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Congressional-Cemetery-evening-with-residents.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T120000
DTSTAMP:20240916T132418Z
CREATED:20240823T221507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T132418Z
UID:10001205-1727517600-1727524800@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Choose Your Own (Corpse’s) Adventure
DESCRIPTION:The one thing we cannot do for ourselves is take care of our body after we’ve died.\nBut that shouldn’t keep us control freaks from telling others what to do! What can you do with a dead human? How soon do you need to do it? What are the options and prices? \nCome plan your body’s journey after you have left it behind! \nThis will be a participatory activity using a tabletop game we have created to design our own body’s journey after death. Along the way\, learn about ideas like building coral reefs or making jewelry from remains. \nLearn about ways to donate your body to science\, freeze it for posterity\, and the options for cremation (fire or water) or composting. Understand the difference between green burial and other burials. Curious about embalming? CO2 impact? The financial aspects of what happens to our remains? \nJoin us at 10 AM\, September for a FREE workshop and death awareness activity at Congressional Cemetery. \nAny questions? Email Laura at deathdoula@congressionalcemetery.org \nRSVP for this event HERE! \n  \nDonations to our foundation support this free program. The suggested donation for our Death Dialogues gatherings is $5\, but more generous support gives more people access to these programs. \nFor more information on our Death Dialogue programming\, click HERE
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/choose-your-own-corpses-adventure/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery Gatehouse\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Death Awareness,Death Dialogues
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Cyoca.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T123000
DTSTAMP:20240915T225756Z
CREATED:20240223T014323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240915T225756Z
UID:10001022-1727521200-1727526600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Only at Congressional Guided Introductory Tour
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a guided tour of Congressional Cemetery! Over 67\,000 people are interred at Congressional Cemetery\, ranging from 1807 all the way until the present day. Their stories are American history in microcosm\, all in 35 acres of the nation’s capital. Come and experience their extraordinary lives in a one of kind portal into the past. In this 1 hour to 1 hour and 30-minute tour\, one of our trained docents who will share the stories of some of Congressionals’s interred residents while walking the beautiful and scenic cemetery grounds. \n \nPlease come prepared with comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes\, as the tours often stray from the main paths. \nThe Cemetery is closed to dogs on Saturdays from 11am – 3pm. \nReservations are required and a tour reservation is a $5 donation. \nSaturday tours begin at 11 am\, rain or shine. Visitors may meet docents at the front gate of the cemetery located at the corner of E St. and Potomac Ave. \nReserve your spot here!\n  \n 
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/only-at-congressional-guided-introductory-tour/2024-09-28/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:Tour
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Kurt-new-tour-image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240928T150000
DTSTAMP:20251024T195509Z
CREATED:20240917T142313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251024T195509Z
UID:10001306-1727521200-1727535600@congressionalcemetery.org
SUMMARY:Closed to Dogs
DESCRIPTION:Congressional Cemetery is closed to all dogs each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family grave site visits as well as during: \nFunerals  |  Private & community events  |  Federal holidays
URL:https://congressionalcemetery.org/event/closed-to-dogs/2024-09-28/
LOCATION:Historic Congressional Cemetery\, 1801 E Street\, Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
CATEGORIES:No Dogs Allowed
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://congressionalcemetery.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/backlit-dog.webp
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END:VCALENDAR