We’re Celebrating 175 Years with a Year of Events and Activities!

As we honor 175 years, we recognize Oakwood’s role in linking the past to the present, ensuring that the legacy of those who came before us continues to inspire future generations.

  SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND EVENTS – October 16-19, 2025

Mark your calendars and plan to join us for a special weekend of events commemorating the 175th anniversary of Oakwood Cemetery.

Anniversary Evening at the Earl | October 16, 2025 | 5:30pm-8pm

Join us for a beautiful evening celebrating Oakwood Cemetery.

Our annual fundraising gala returns for a special night honoring our anniversary. (Cocktail attire)

CALL THE OFFICE AT (518) 272-7520 TO REGISTER.

Event Details:

Tickets: $75/each

5:30pm-8pm

Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel at Oakwood Cemetery

Route 40 North (Oakwood Avenue), 186 Oakwood Avenue

Troy, NY 12182 

Anniversary Victorian Tea & Lawn Party | October 18, 2025 | 11:30am-4pm

A day of fun and games on the great lawn of the cemetery with some very special activities!

What's a Victorian Tea Party without a Victorian Tea? Innovo Kitchen has cooked up a beautiful meal, perfect for a picnic at our Victorian Lawn party.

Reserve now at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/anniversary-weekend-lunch-reservation

Boxed Lunch Tea Party - $16.50 per adult

• Mini cucumber sandwiches & mini chopped chicken salad sandwiches

• Vegetable barley orzo salad

• Lemon blueberry scone

• Lemon curd & raspberry preserves

Child’s Boxed Lunch - $11.25 per child

• PBJ Sandwich or Ham & Cheese Sandwich

• Sun Chips

• Cucumber Sticks w/ranch dressing

• Juice Box

• Sugar Cookie

Beverage Station - Included

• Assorted Hot Teas w/lemon, cream & sugar

• Lemonade & Iced Tea

• Bottled water

Plus, enjoy:

Anniversary Tours and Talks at the Earl | October 19, 2025 | Noon-4pm

Discover the rich history of our magnificent facility and its fascinating inhabitants.

Anniversary Tours and Talks at the Earl | October 19, 2025 | 10am-10:45am

Guided Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel Tour

Join us for a tour of the breathtaking Gardner Earl Chapel. Hear the story of the young man who inspired this magnificent National Historic Landmark as you marvel at the Victorian grandeur of spectacular stained glass windows, marble mosaics, and stone carvings. You’ll have the option to peek into one of the old cremation retorts. Guided by Heidi Klinkowski

Free, but registration is required: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/anniversary-weekend-guided-chapel-tour

Anniversary Tours and Talks at the Earl | October 19, 2025 | Noon-1PM

Head to Toe: What the Victorians Wore, How They Wore It, and Why It Mattered

Step back in time for a delightful and informative living history presentation with Phyllis Chapman of Vintage Visitors. 

From bonnets to boots, explore the fascinating world of Victorian fashion—not just what people wore, but how their clothing reflected the values, customs, and social rules of the 19th century.

Through rich storytelling and authentic reproduction garments, Chapman brings the era to life with wit and charm, showing how even a corset or a cravat spoke volumes about class, gender, and morality.

Whether you're a history buff, fashion enthusiast, or curious observer, you’ll enjoy this engaging journey through time—one button, bustle, and bonnet at a time!

Free, but registration is required: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/anniversary-weekend-head-to-toe-victorian-apparel

Anniversary Tours and Talks at the Earl | October 19, 2025 | 2:30PM-3:30PM

Garnet Douglass Baltimore: A Son of Troy

Join historian and Oakwood Cemetery trustee Suzanne Spellen for a powerful and enlightening presentation on Garnet Douglass Baltimore, Troy’s own trailblazing son. The first African American graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Baltimore was a distinguished civil engineer and landscape designer whose legacy helped shape both the city and the profession.

More than a biography, this talk explores Baltimore’s impact on public space, civic life, and racial progress at the turn of the 20th century. Through detailed research and compelling storytelling, Spellen brings to life the accomplishments—and the challenges—of a man who quietly transformed his hometown's landscape.

Discover the story of a remarkable life rooted in Troy, and the enduring legacy of vision, intellect, and grace that continues to resonate today.

Free, but registration is required: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/anniversary-weekend-garnet-douglass-baltimore-a-son-of-troy-lecture

Gardner Earl Memorial Chapel Tour

November 29, 2025 | 1:00pm-2:00pm | $15pp | Chapel Meetup | Heidi Klinowski

Children under 12 free. | Limited to 30 participants.

https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/thanksgiving-weekend-gardner-earl-memorial-chapel-tour

Looking for something different to do on this holiday weekend? Join us for a tour of the breathtaking Gardner Earl Chapel. Hear the story of the young man who inspired this magnificent National Historic Landmark as you marvel at the Victorian grandeur of spectacular stained glass windows, marble mosaics, and stone carvings. You’ll have the option to peek into one of the old cremation retorts.

 

Winter Luminary Walk

November 29, 2025 | 4:30pm-7:00pm | $10pp | Earl Chapel Meetup | Friends of Oakwood Cemetery

https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/thanksgiving-weekend-winter-luminary-tour

 Be enchanted by Oakwood under the stars in a winter wonderland. Stroll through a luminary-lit path to a hot chocolate and cookie stop at the beautiful Warren Chapel. This tour starts in the Earl Chapel where you can capture your evening at our photo area. This is a self-guided tour to enjoy at your own pace.

 

YEAR-LONG ACTIVITIES

Sound Meditation for Deep Relaxation in the Earl Chapel

Geralyn and Michael O’Reilly, certified Sound Meditation Practitioners, use sound as a vehicle to promote deep relaxation, offering many health benefits.

  • October 8 | 6pm-7pm

  • November 8 | 2pm-3pm

Offered by donation on site. Space is limited. Registration required at: https://www.emeraldmindbody.com/

Bring a mat, cushions, a blanket, or anything that makes you feel cozy as you immerse yourself in the deeply relaxing sounds from the Earl Chapel’s amazing acoustics.