Join St. Paul’s and Forest Home Cemetery on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25, 2026) for this free, family-friendly event on the grounds of Milwaukee’s oldest, largest operating cemetery.
The event starts with a memorial service in the landmark Ferry & Clas chapel, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the Garden of Honor, the veteran section.
Then stay awhile! Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chair, and spend the afternoon dining al fresco among the trees. Explore the grounds at your own pace, hear graveside stories from 14 historical interpreters, and take in the beauty of the arboretum.
MEMORIAL DAY SCHEDULE
- 11–11:30 a.m.: Memorial service in the Chapel led by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Wreath-laying at the Garden of Honor, bugling by Bill Seaman.
- 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.: Visit with notable Milwaukeeans at their graves. Full lineup below.
- 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.: Learn how Forest Home evolved along with Milwaukee on this original cemetery tour with historian, educator and author Paul Haubrich. This general cemetery overview is free, open to the public and features some of the prominent Milwaukeeans who helped build this city. This is Paul’s 23rd Memorial Day tour!
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ
This is a free event but registration is requested for our planning purposes.
This is a free event but registration is requested for our planning purposes.
What to expect: This outdoor event requires a lot of walking and standing; there is no seating, but guests are welcome to bring their own chairs and/or sit anywhere on the ground to rest or picnic. Please wear comfortable footwear and watch for very hot and/or humid weather.
Arrival: Please enter the cemetery at the Lincoln Avenue or Forest Home Avenue cemetery entrance. You do not need a ticket to enter.
Parking: There is ample free parking throughout the cemetery, but the roads closest to the re-enactment areas will be blocked off to ensure the safety of our guests; please do not drive around barricades.
Restrooms: Port-a-potties will be available.
Dogs: Allowed on leash with their humans.
