sweet auburn | 2022 volume ii
President ’ s Corner
s the year comes to an end , I would be remiss not to take a moment and ask you to join me in looking back at another challenging year
A for the world — recovering from a pandemic , world affairs , inflation , a changing climate , inequity , and more — all while recognizing and celebrating people ’ s resiliency and innate ability to adapt , evolve , and move forward together .
For Mount Auburn Cemetery , it has been a year of evolution and adaptation . Mount Auburn has long mixed respect for tradition with changing for the times , becoming the well-respected cultural institution and urban oasis it is today — for both the dead and the living .
A little over a year since becoming its 14th President & CEO , having built relationships with our remarkable daily staff , volunteers , trustees , supporters , and visitors , I am both humbled and honored to get a chance to influence Mount Auburn ’ s storied history . Together , we ’ ve built a crown jewel at the intersection of culture , history , and majestic urban green space and a leader in reimagining the endless possibilities for what cemeteries can be in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond .
Today , I invite you to reflect on resolutions for the year ahead and make building a relationship and connection with nature a part of that . And I encourage you to do so within our 175 acres of landscape that artfully captures the history of those who came before us and have inspired future generations . In this edition of Sweet Auburn , you will find more information and opportunities to do just that , including our upcoming Winter Solstice event , SOLSTICE : Reflections on Winter Light , where guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape and explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere , meditating on moments of light and dark as the year ends and a new cycle begins . We hope you will join us and see Mount Auburn in a new light !
Here ’ s to shining light on an exciting and energetic new year , new friends , partnerships , and most importantly , courage and resiliency .
SOLSTICE : Reflections on Winter Light is an annual event at Mount Auburn Cemetery that includes an outdoor journey through large-scale light and sound artworks , and an indoor experience with live music and candle lighting . Guests are invited to walk through the light-filled landscape and explore the Winter Solstice atmosphere , and to reflect on moments of change as the year ends and a new cycle begins . Connect to a landscape of exceptional beauty , consider an intention for the new year , or commemorate the memory of a loved one . Let the Solstice light your way as you encounter the unique spirit of Mount Auburn .
Matthew Stephens President & CEO
1