Join us on Memorial Day for this free, family-friendly event on the grounds of Milwaukee's oldest, largest operating cemetery.

The event starts with a memorial service in our landmark Ferry & Clas chapel, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the Garden of Honor, our veteran Section. Then enjoy some stories from the cemetery with numerous costumed historical re-enactors, and wrap up with a free Milwaukee history tour.

Food will be available for purchase and feel free to picnic in our beautiful arboretum, literally the coolest spot in Milwaukee, thanks to our arboretum's tree canopy.

Memorial Day Schedule

11-11:30 a.m.: Memorial service in the Chapel led by St. Paul's Episcopal Church's Rev. Seth Raymond. Wreath-laying at the Garden of Honor, bugling by Bill Seaman.

11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Visit with notable Milwaukeeans (see below) at their graves.

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Usinger's hot dogs, bratwurst, chips and soda available for a $7 donation to the Forest Home Historic Preservation Association.

2:30p.m.-4 p.m.: Free Milwaukee history tour by author and Forest Home historian Paul Haubrich.

Notable Forest Home Cemetery residents you will learn about (portrayed by).

Section 24
Julia Alcott Lapham (Cyndi Kramer): Historian, archivist, daughter of Increase Lapham
Byron Kilbourn (Frank Matusinec): Surveyor, railroad executive, politician, one of three City of Milwaukee founders

Section 31
Hans Crocker (George Wagner): Lawyer and politician, Democratic Party --> Republican Party
George H. Walker (Ron WInkler): One of three City of Milwaukee founders, namesake of Walkers Point
Edward George Ryan (Brian Fette): Lawyer, Wisconsin Supreme Court
Emily Groom (Katharyn Kominiarek): Artist, Layton/Downer faculty
Hannah R. Vedder (Margaret Berres): A "lady manager" of the Soldiers' Home Association

Section 34
Lenore Harrison Cawker (Anita Pietrykowski): Humanitarian and advocate for the protection of animals
Mary Niedecken (Carla Uphill): wife of Prairie architect George Mann Niedecken

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