Branches of Hope

Mount Auburn Cemetery is excited to present a new cultural event: Branches of Hope, on Friday, August 15, 2025. This first-time event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and serve as a space for peace, healing, hope and togetherness. Join us for a complimentary, public gathering from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Asa Gray Garden featuring powerful performances by Eden Rayz, Francesca Caruso, Lonnie Stanton and Naoko Brown.

A Ginkgo Tree that will be planted on Mount Auburn Cemetery’s grounds will be presented, and Mount Auburn Cemetery President, Matthew Stephens, will provide remarks. From 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy a ticketed reception featuring light refreshments and wine/beer on Bigelow Lawn. An art exhibit of works by Cannon Hersey, a renowned photographer, fine artist, filmmaker and organizer of large-scale cultural efforts will be on display. He is the grandson of John Hersey, author of Hiroshima. From 7:30 to 9 p.m., Cannon Hersey and Collaborator of Future Memory, Akira Fujimoto, will deliver a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session. There will also be a featured special guest, Koko Kondo, who was only eight months old when her city was destroyed by the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.