Walking tour: Funerary Art & Symbolism

Learn some basic symbols and monument styles that have been used over the centuries to artfully express bereavement for loved ones. Cemeteries often serve as historical and cultural repositories, and the symbols present on tombstones can provide insights into the beliefs, values, and lives of the people buried there.

Who is the "mourning woman" found on many monuments? What does a pair of clasped hands or a laurel wreath symbolize? What is used to signify a life cut short? Once you understand these universal symbols, explore this and other cemeteries on your own.

Embark on a journey through time, discover hidden stories, and unlock the secrets of cemetery symbolism with us.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, art and architecture enthusiasts, families and anyone interested in learning about the stories on the stones at Forest Home Cemetery.

About your guide

Jennifer Christ is retired from a career in teaching and in lay professional ministry. She currently volunteers as a docent at the Milwaukee Art Museum as well as at Forest Home Cemetery.

Important information

• This 1.5-mile walking tour moves at a brisk pace over uneven cemetery roads and grounds. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch your step! Our tour guides have a lot to share and are on a tight timeline, so please try to stick together.
  
• This tour will run rain or shine and will only be canceled in the event of a dangerous weather event. Tickets are non-refundable.
  
• Please arrive about 10 minutes before your tour. Meet under the canopy outside Halls of History (next to the main office inside the Lincoln Avenue entrance).
  
• Parking is free and available throughout the cemetery; however, the spots in front of the office are reserved for cemetery business Monday–Friday, 8 am–4:30 pm and 10 am–3 pm Saturday. There is ample parking around the chapel, in front of and to the side of Halls of History. Sundays you may park wherever you like.
  
• After your tour, please take a moment to review us on Google reviews or TripAdvisor.
  
• Proceeds from all tours and events help preserve and enhance the historical and natural elements of the cemetery.

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 Cemetery is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is the finest example of a Victorian-era rural garden cemetery in the Upper Midwest

Milwaukee’s largest green space with more 2,600 trees on nearly 200 acres, Forest Home is the city’s first accredited arboretum and is open daily to the public from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs, jogging, strollers and bicycles are welcome.

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 and Festival, Shakesepeare Festival and Spirits of the Silent City after-dark historical tours.

We have many volunteer opportunities for adults and youth looking for service hours! 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 so you don’t miss any of our tours and events!

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 options.