GREENWOOD HEIGHTS — Richard Moylan’s nearly 40-year tenure as president of the 478-acre Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark established in 1893, was celebrated at the “Gala for Green-Wood” on June 4 with around 400 attendees.
Moylan, 70, spent his entire career at Green-Wood, starting as a grass cutter when he was in law school in the 1970s.
Richard Moylan being presented with the Dewitt Clinton award. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
An incredible contribution
Lisa Alpert, senior vice president of development and programming, told the Brooklyn Eagle that the gala was important to celebrate Moylan’s legacy. Moylan shaped Green-Wood and made it an extraordinary resource and asset for New York City.
“We owe everything to him,” Alpert said. “A great debt of gratitude, recognizing the incredible contribution he’s made for the past 39 years, not only to Green-Wood but also to New York City.”
Richard Moylan receiving a citation for his service. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Moylan addressed the crowd without a scripted speech: “My staff wants my written remarks, but they should know better by now — I don’t do written remarks!”
He thanked the staff, board members and attendees, adding, “I leave here proud, honored and humbled. My heart will always be [with Green-Wood].”
Chair Peter Davidson alongside Carla Shen, trustee. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Moylan noted that his board would often ask him, “Why do people stay at Greenwood so long?”
“It’s not all about the money,” he said. “That’s the easy part. We provide a decent benefits package and all that, but the bottom line is that we truly care and appreciate our people, and I believe that’s why they stay.”
Moylan said that Green-Wood is in the business of telling stories, and that’s what it will always do. “I think we have people here that will always keep those stories going.”
Richard Moylan addressing the crowd. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
A myriad of accomplishments
Since becoming president in 1986, Moylan and his team at Green-Wood have achieved significant accomplishments. The cemetery offers dignified and caring memorial services, and introduced green burials and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burials. Green-Wood invigorated its cultural programs and established a department of public programming to expand the arts.
The cemetery has led environmental initiatives through Green-Wood’s arboretum of over 8,600 trees, which made climate resilience a key priority for the cemetery. Community engagement has been one of Moylan’s key objectives from the outset, and with half a million annual visitors, Green-Wood has succeeded at reaching Moylan and his team’s goals.
Vernon Reid, two-time Grammy Award-winning guitarist, entertaining the audience. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
The cemetery’s newest prospect, a $41 million, 25,000-square-foot Welcome Center located across the street from the main entrance at 25th Street and Fifth Avenue, will combine the restored Victorian-era Weir Greenhouse with a new building. The center will be a community space for public programs, a mini-museum, a setting for research and education, and more.
“It’s going to be amazing,” Moylan told the audience. “It’s almost finished; the construction is actually ahead of schedule.
Lisa Alpert alongside Richard Moylan. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
According to Moylan, the center will be mostly complete later in the year, and a grand opening will take place early next year. “It’s going to be really exciting,” he said. “We’re hoping to see you all there.”
Moylan told the Brooklyn Eagle that since Green-Wood has been a part of his life for so long, he will miss the grounds, “But I’ll especially miss the people.”
Lisa Alpert, senior vice president of development and programming. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Meera Joshi, a former deputy mayor for Eric Adams, will be taking over as Moylan’s replacement in July.
Since you're already in Premium Content, please enjoy these related articles:
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
