Events

Fresh Finds with BCA's Cemetery Chronicler – Walking Tour Every week, a new piece of history is discovered—or rediscovered—at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This unique tour begins at the Willow Gate House, where we will review and discuss the specific document or record that sparked our latest finding. Following this brief historical overview, attendees will drive their own vehicles to the discovery site (using our "EPW" method: escort, park, and walk). Once gathered, we will begin a 90-minute walking tour. The remainder of the experience explores the people, symbolism, and architectural highlights encountered along the route, offering additional insights into the Cemetery's design. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles of moderate terrain across the grounds of the oldest Garden/Rural Cemetery west of the Mississippi. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Women's History at Bellefontaine Cemetery (Online Presentation) March is Women’s History Month. Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is the final resting place of several strong, inspirational women who have impacted history as we know it. This list includes a Nobel prize-winning scientist (Gerty Cori), a Pulitzer-prize winning poet (Sara Teasdale), an Olympic gold medalist (Martha N. Brown), an author of one of the world’s most widely read cookbooks (Irma Rombauer), a survivor of the Titanic (Elisabeth W. Robert), a spy (Margaret McClure), the “Mother of Kindergarten” (Susan Blow), and generations of suffragists who fought tirelessly to secure the right to vote for women Join us for an exciting Zoom presentation as we explore the rich heritage of women's history connected to Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This free online presentation runs from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Watch from the comfort of your home or wherever you may be! Sign up now for this free online presentation. Reservations are required, so please sign up now for this free online presentation! REGISTER NOW! MAKE A GIFT This online presentation is free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Special Event: Star Party at Bellefontaine Gather with us in the serene beauty of Wildwood Valley Gardens to enjoy the wonders of the cosmos above and learn about nocturnal nature. BCA is proud to partner with DarkSky Missouri and the St. Louis Astronomical Society for this event, featuring telescopic views of the night sky and Jupiter, along with nature related activities such as bat monitoring. This is perfect for a unique date night, a fun family outing, a get-together with friends, or a peaceful solo retreat. All ages are welcome. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply looking for a peaceful evening outdoors, all you need is to dress warm and bring your curiosity and blanket or lawn chair. Registration Space is limited and reservations are required. Please sign up today to reserve your spot. REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This event is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Fresh Finds with BCA's Cemetery Chronicler – Walking Tour Every week, a new piece of history is discovered—or rediscovered—at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This unique tour begins at the Willow Gate House, where we will review and discuss the specific document or record that sparked our latest finding. Following this brief historical overview, attendees will drive their own vehicles to the discovery site (using our "EPW" method: escort, park, and walk). Once gathered, we will begin a 90-minute walking tour. The remainder of the experience explores the people, symbolism, and architectural highlights encountered along the route, offering additional insights into the Cemetery's design. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles of moderate terrain across the grounds of the oldest Garden/Rural Cemetery west of the Mississippi. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Natural Landscape Design Join our Director of Horticulture, James Faupel, for an indoor presentation to introduce you to these popular concepts of garden design before heading out onto the Arboretum grounds to explore one of the most beautiful garden spaces in St. Louis, Wildwood Valley Garden, which showcases both formal and natural garden design elements. Winter into early spring is a fantastic time of year to be planning and designing your new garden spaces. Don’t forget to bring your plant photography and note taking gear, and to dress for the weather! This class will be from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required. Please wear appropriate walking attire.  Please arrive at the main entrance between 15 to 20 minutes before class time for a prompt start.  Sign Up!   MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Natural Landscape Design Join our Director of Horticulture, James Faupel, for an indoor presentation to introduce you to these popular concepts of garden design before heading out onto the Arboretum grounds to explore one of the most beautiful garden spaces in St. Louis, Wildwood Valley Garden, which showcases both formal and natural garden design elements. Winter into early spring is a fantastic time of year to be planning and designing your new garden spaces. Don’t forget to bring your plant photography and note taking gear, and to dress for the weather! This class will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required. Please wear appropriate walking attire.  Please arrive at the main entrance between 15 to 20 minutes before class time for a prompt start.  Sign Up!   MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

New Event: Picnic at Bellefontaine Bring your blanket and lunch to Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Enjoy your meal under the shade of a majestic Osage Orange tree in Wild Wood Valley Gardens in the company of Bellefontaine staff and volunteers. This program allows for light conversation and insight into the happenings at the Cemetery, helping you reconnect to days gone by. Signage will lead you from our main entrance at 4947 W. Florissant to parking overlooking Cypress Lake.   Registration Reservations are required. Please sign up today to reserve your spot. REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This event is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Springtime History Walking Tour Join us for a seasonal walk through Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum! During the months of March, April, and May, we offer this two-hour guided experience led by one of our Master Guides. Our guides will share highlights of the Cemetery grounds, its unique horticulture, and the stories of the many intriguing figures who call Bellefontaine their "last address." As the landscape changes, these spring tours place a special emphasis on our horticulture as various areas of the Arboretum reach different levels of bloom. Tour Details: Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Distance: Approximately 2 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Floriography, the Language of Flowers (spring session)Join our Floriculturist, Payton Stutte, in learning about the Victorian Era practice of floriography, or the language of flowers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the origins of this language and the connotations associated with an array of different spring flowers during a slide presentation, as well as a cut flower arrangement workshop to create and take home your very own unique floriography message! All materials and supplies provided.This class will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required. Register now!MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Arboretum Tour – Spring Bulb Walk Join one of our Horticulturists for a stroll through the Arboretum, starting at our main entrance, then along the “White Line”, and past our most expansive garden, Wildwood Valley and its bulb meadow. This tour will focus on the various early season bulbs, shrubs, and trees in bloom this time of year. There are always exciting new plants to discover on a walk through our Arbnet Level III Accredited Arboretum! Every horticulturist-led tour of our Arboretum is unique and will potentially cover different plants. Sign up for a tour or two today!  This tour will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.00. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please wear appropriate walking attire and dress for cool and/or rainy weather. Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure.  REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Fresh Finds with BCA's Cemetery Chronicler – Walking Tour Every week, a new piece of history is discovered—or rediscovered—at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This unique tour begins at the Willow Gate House, where we will review and discuss the specific document or record that sparked our latest finding. Following this brief historical overview, attendees will drive their own vehicles to the discovery site (using our "EPW" method: escort, park, and walk). Once gathered, we will begin a 90-minute walking tour. The remainder of the experience explores the people, symbolism, and architectural highlights encountered along the route, offering additional insights into the Cemetery's design. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles of moderate terrain across the grounds of the oldest Garden/Rural Cemetery west of the Mississippi. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Horticulture Class – Floriography, the Language of Flowers (spring session)Join our Floriculturist, Payton Stutte, in learning about the Victorian Era practice of floriography, or the language of flowers. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the origins of this language and the connotations associated with an array of different spring flowers during a slide presentation, as well as a cut flower arrangement workshop to create and take home your very own unique floriography message! All materials and supplies provided.This class will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $15 per person. Space is limited and registration is required.MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Arboretum Tour – Spring Bulb Walk Join one of our Horticulturists for a stroll through the Arboretum, starting at our main entrance, then along the “White Line”, and past our most expansive garden, Wildwood Valley and its bulb meadow. This tour will focus on the various early season bulbs, shrubs, and trees in bloom this time of year. There are always exciting new plants to discover on a walk through our Arbnet Level III Accredited Arboretum! Every horticulturist-led tour of our Arboretum is unique and will potentially cover different plants. Sign up for a tour or two today!  This tour will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.00. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please wear appropriate walking attire and dress for cool and/or rainy weather. Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure.  REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Special Event: Medal of Honor Walking Tour March 25 is National Medal of Honor Day—a day dedicated to all recipients of the nation’s highest award for valor. Join us at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum for a meaningful walking tour to commemorate this special day. During this two-hour guided walk, participants will visit the graves of the 10 Medal of Honor recipients laid to rest at Bellefontaine, the oldest Garden/Rural cemetery west of the Mississippi. At each gravesite, the recipient’s accomplishments will be read aloud from the official citations. As part of the tribute, each hero’s American flag and Medal of Honor flag will be refreshed. Attendees will carry flags from site to site, actively taking part in honoring these extraordinary individuals. This tour offers a powerful opportunity to remember, reflect, and pay tribute to 10 heroes who served our nation with exceptional valor. Tour Details: Time: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Distance: Approximately 2.5 miles Terrain: Moderate, covering both pavement and grass Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Arboretum Tour – Spring Flowering Tree Walk Join one of our Horticulturists for a stroll in Missouri’s first ArbNet Level III Accredited Arboretum. This tour will focus on what is currently blooming amongst Bellefontaine’s collection of about 10,000 trees and shrubs, representing nearly 600 distinct species, selections, and varieties. You could see everything from cherries and magnolias early in spring, to azaleas and dogwoods later in the season. Learn more about what makes Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum an extraordinary horticulture treasure in St. Louis! Every horticulturist-led tour of our Arboretum is unique and will potentially cover different trees. Sign up for a tour or two today!  This tour will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. It is free to attend with a suggested donation of $5.00. Space is limited and reservations are required. Please wear appropriate walking attire and dress for cool and/or rainy weather. Please arrive between 15 to 20 minutes before tour time for a prompt departure.  REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT Donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Moments Remembered Caravan Tour This special caravan tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is designed for individuals experiencing mild to moderate memory loss and the caregivers who support them. Traveling together through the peaceful grounds, the group will follow a guide in their own vehicles and make three stops that invite reflection, conversation, and shared storytelling. At each location, gentle prompts and familiar sights are used to encourage participants to share memories, observations, and personal connections—creating moments of recognition, laughter, and community. Caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their companions, making this a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone.   Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Terrain: Mild with a mixture of hard and soft surfaces Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing for the weather. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Weather: This is a rain-or-shine event (except in the case of extreme lightning). Registration is limited and reservations are required.  REGISTER NOW!   MAKE A GIFT Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Baseball and Bellefontaine Cemetery: St. Louis Style! (Online Presentation) St. Louis IS a Baseball town. Since before the Civil War, some form of baseball has been played across the Lou, from the historic grounds of Lafayette Park to the modern-day Busch Stadium. This presentation explores the Club Era through the Professional Era of Baseball in our city. While many of the figures from these early days are lesser known compared to the legends of today, their impact is undeniable. Join us for this exciting Zoom presentation as we uncover the stories of these pioneers—without their contributions, the game we know and love today might not exist. Join us for an exciting Zoom presentation as we explore the rich heritage of baseball connected to Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This free online presentation runs from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Watch from the comfort of your home or wherever you may be! Sign up now for this free online presentation. Reservations are required, so please sign up now for this free online presentation! REGISTER NOW! MAKE A GIFT This online presentation is free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Fresh Finds with BCA's Cemetery Chronicler – Walking Tour Every week, a new piece of history is discovered—or rediscovered—at Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. This unique tour begins at the Willow Gate House, where we will review and discuss the specific document or record that sparked our latest finding. Following this brief historical overview, attendees will drive their own vehicles to the discovery site (using our "EPW" method: escort, park, and walk). Once gathered, we will begin a 90-minute walking tour. The remainder of the experience explores the people, symbolism, and architectural highlights encountered along the route, offering additional insights into the Cemetery's design. Participants will walk approximately 1.5 miles of moderate terrain across the grounds of the oldest Garden/Rural Cemetery west of the Mississippi. Tour Details: Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles Terrain: Moderate Attire: Please wear appropriate walking shoes and clothing. Arrival: Please arrive 15–20 minutes early for a prompt departure. Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now! REGISTER NOW!     MAKE A GIFT This tour is free; however donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are always gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750. Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org

Uncover a fascinating chapter of St. Louis history on this two-hour true crime tour of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum. Pulled straight from 19th century headlines, this tour explores notorious crimes, public scandals, and mysterious deaths that once captivated the city. While visiting the graves of suspects, victims, and influential figures, you’ll learn how these cases were investigated, reported, and debated—some leaving questions that remain unanswered to this day.Tour Details:Registration is limited and reservations are required. Sign up now!Tours are free, however, donations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted.MAKE A GIFTDonations to the Friends of Bellefontaine Cemetery are gratefully accepted. To make a gift to the Friends of Bellefontaine, email Joe Shields or call our office at 314-381-0750.Make a gift onlineVENMO: @FriendsofBellefontaineCemeteryPAYPAL: donations@bcastl.org