Picnic of Memory at Evergreen Cemetery

Food is a bridge between worlds. It carries ritual, lineage, and presence across time. Picnic of Memory weaves local lore, historical crops, forgotten recipes, and global mourning traditions into a living gesture of remembrance.

During the Victorian period, gathering for a picnic beside loved ones in the cemetery was a common, cherished way to honor the departed, weaving remembrance into the fabric of everyday life. From this practice to global traditions like Día de los Muertos, Japanese Obon, and Korean Chuseok, sharing a meal at the threshold of death remains an ancient, human way to soften the veil.

The Experience: 

On Sunday, October 4th, Picnic of Memory transforms Evergreen Cemetery into an immersive experience combining site-specific walking installations with individual heirloom picnic baskets. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food & drinks to enjoy during the picnic gathering.

Conceived of by Liz Birnbaum, founder of The Curated Feast, as a return to place-based culinary storytelling, Picnic of Memory invites you on a contemplative walk through site-specific installations before gathering on the lawn for a shared picnic. Baskets are crafted by Chef Jessica Yarr of The Grove in Felton, featuring local and historical flavors, and logistics and sourcing support thanks to Seth Heitzenrater of La Posta.

Logistics & Accommodations

Gathering & Group Sizing

• Group Sizing: Lawn spaces and picnic arrangements naturally accommodate groups of 4 to 8 guests. If you purchase a single ticket or attend as a duo, you will be warmly placed with fellow guests in a shared group area, honoring the spirit of communal gathering.

• Group Pairing Requests: Booking separately from friends or family? Email us at hello@thecuratedfeast.com with the names in your party so we can ensure you are seated together.

Dietary Needs & Menu Options

• Custom Baskets: Baskets are crafted using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. We will do our best to accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Please notify us via email at hello@thecuratedfeast.com by September 30.

• Selecting Your Preferences: Please note any dietary restrictions or food allergies during checkout, or email your details directly to hello@thecuratedfeast.com at least one week prior to the event.

• Bring Your Own: Guests are also welcome to bring their own favorite picnic items to enjoy on the grounds.

Accessibility & Site Navigation

• Terrain & Mobility: The event involves a slow, guided walk through dirt and grass paths among historic headstones, followed by a seated picnic on the grounds. 

• Accommodations: If you or anyone in your party has mobility considerations, sight/hearing needs, or requires specific physical accommodations, please reach out to hello@thecuratedfeast.com ahead of time so we can ensure a smooth, comfortable experience.