Woodlawn Conservancy Inc

Programs: See schedule o for description on the training program. Woodlawn conservancy continued the woodlawn cemetery preservation training program in 2017, which prepares young people (18-24) for careers in masonry restoration and construction. The ten week paid internship program introduced a cohort of 16 to the trade. Of the 12 that graduated, 100% were offered jobs. A second part of the program involved 2 or 4 of these graduates being hired as apprentices by the woodlawn cemetery for more intensive training under the supervision of a master craftsman. Over the last three years, 37 young people, both male and female have graduated with 81 percent offer jobs. As of early 2018, 76% were working with 16 employed in the field and 6 in union jobs. The key to the success with the union in terms of creating a pathway for minorities is our partnership with international masonry institute, the educational arm of the bricklayers local 1, which provides training and mentorship to our program under the guidance of our master craftsman whose 30 year union experience ensures that program participants are work-ready.

see schedule o for description on woodlawn leadership and legacy program. As an outgrowth of our after school programming, the conservancy has initiated the woodlawn leadership and legacy program featuring a value-based education experience centered on the meaning of legacy and personal integrity. Using the examples of the lives of the famous historical figures interred at woodlawn, bronx school children research these lives and reflect on the personal challenges met and overcome to achieve their success. Under the oversight of celebrity moderators and school staff, students are guided to reflect on how these lives reflect the challenges and opportunities in their own lives.

see schedule o for description on public tours, private tours, specialty group, and events. In 2017, the conservancy hosted 57 public tours and events that brought over 2,000 participants on to the cemetery property and 33 private tours hosting over 750 participants. Jazz and classical concerts in the woolworth chapel brought increased activity to the cemetery including an outdoor presentation by a bassist. At our famous jazz corner site of the burial of jazz great's duke ellington, sir miles davis and lionel hampton.

flagging day:over two weekends in may (the weekend prior to memorial day, and the saturday before memorial day itself), more than 250 individuals and groups came to the woodlawn cemetery to assist the conservancy with the important task of honoring placing flags at the graves of veterans at rest at woodlawn, some 7,000 graves to be acknowledged, and as many flags to place. Girl and boy scout troops, corporate volunteers, special-interest clubs, neighborhood group, military cadets, and private individuals spent anywhere from 3 hours to a full day with us.