Walking tour: Victorian Funerary Traditions Tour–The Good Death at Forest Home Cemetery – Milwaukee, WI

This popular tour explores the curious and elaborate funerary customs of the Victorian era, named for Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901.

The Victorians had a fascination with death and the afterlife and put money aside and planned for “the good death” – the ideal death and dying experience, dictated by strict social conventions and an intricate set of rituals.

You’ll learn about undertakers, at-home funerals, mourning periods and attire, death photography, and the difference between graverobbers and body snatchers (one was a felony, the other a misdemeanor!).

Plus, you’ll see memorials and markers that make Forest Home one of the finest examples of a Victorian garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest.

Important information

• This is a 1.5-mile walking tour that may go over uneven ground at a fast pace. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together.

• The Forest Home Avenue gate is not open on Sundays, so please use the Lincoln Avenue gate.

• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery on Sundays. There is plenty of parking around the chapel on both sides of the road. Please park on the side of the road in a way that doesn’t prevent cars from passing.

• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet at Halls of History (the building next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance).

• Check in with your guide. You do not need to bring your paper ticket.

• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of dangerous weather. Tickets are non-refundable.

• If you enjoy your tour, please take a moment afterward to review us on Google or TripAdvisor.

Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.

Waiver

By purchasing ticket(s) and/or by attending a Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum (FH) tour or event, you affirm that you and your guests agree to the following terms and conditions.

I acknowledge, attest, agree and represent as follows:

• I understand that this is a walking tour. I represent that I am in good health, in proper physical condition and capable of walking at least a mile outdoors.

• I assume sole responsibility for my safety and release FH and its guides from all liability or damages resulting from my participation.

• I understand there are inherent risks of taking a walking tour. While the tours are not strenuous, potential risks may include, but are not limited to, uneven walking surfaces, potholes, stick or tree/plant debris on paths, wet or slippery ground, steps, narrow walkways, traffic movement, road crossings.

• I understand and agree that the tour guide reserves the right to disqualify anyone at any time during the tour if he or she feels the tour participant is incapable and/or if a tour member’s continued participation will jeopardize the individual or the group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

• I release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue FH, its principals, affiliated entities, present and former employees, volunteers, guides, owners, managers, partners, contractors, insurers, shareholders, and directors (collectively “Released Entities”) from any and all claims, actions, damages, liabilities, losses, costs, and expenses for death, injury, loss or damage of property, in any way arising out of my participation in a FH tour or event, including, without limitation, any and all claims resulting from the negligence of the Released Entities.

• I indemnify and hold harmless the Released Entities from any loss, liability, damage or cost that they may incur for losses and damages which may be brought against me or against any of them by anyone claiming to be injured (including death) or whose property is damaged as a result of my actions arising from or during a FH tour or event.

• I agree to grant FH a royalty-free license to use my photographic, video, or digital likeness, in whole or in part, taken during a tour or event on the property, solely for promotional purposes.

• I authorize FH to provide me with medical assistance, transportation and emergency medical services as the result of injury or health condition. This consent does not impose a duty upon FH to provide such assistance, transportation or services. I have the right to refuse medical assistance.

About Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum

Established in 1850, Forest Home Cemetery is Milwaukee’s oldest-operating cemetery, open to people of all faiths, races and backgrounds since its inception. Forest Home is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest

Larger than any City of Milwaukee park, Forest Home is the city’s first accredited arboretum with more than 2,600 trees representing 100-plus species on nearly 200 acres.

The land now occupied by the cemetery has been held sacred by many people for centuries. Local tribal leaders have recently visually verified two Indigenous mounds here, in sections 15 and 19.

Forest Home is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Walkers, joggers, bicycles, leashed dogs and picnickers are welcome, as long as they are respectful of all burial sites, memorials and mounds.

Each year, we host public and private historical and nature-based tours, field trips and teen programs, plus our signature community events: Memorial Day, Doors Open, Dia de los Muertos 5K & Festival, Shakespeare Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours.

We have many volunteer opportunities for adults and youth looking for service hours or the chance to help maintain our historic monuments, buildings and grounds. Email kristens@foresthomecemetery.com to find out more.

Sign up for our newsletter on our website (foresthomecemetery.com) and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

If you enjoy our beautiful space, stay longer! Stop in the office Monday–Friday 8 am–4:30 pm and Saturday 10 am–3:30 pm, or call a counselor (414) 645-2632 to find out about our many burial and memorial options.