Death as inevitable as taxes! Generations before us grappled with what to do with their deceased loved ones.

Early burial grounds were formed on land lent by Buffalo's earliest residents - farmers, military officers, businessmen, local merchants. As the area grew in population, both public and pauper (potter) burial lands were established in numerous places all over the WNY area. As Buffalo grew outward from the harbor, the buried, then located in (no longer) rural areas, were exhumed and re-interred further away from the city proper - and, due to Buffalo's explosive growth, were then moved again, and in some cases, yet again! Hardly a peaceful, eternal slumber!

Our speaker, Judy Tucker will share insights on where Buffalonians buried their family, friends and neighbors prior to the advent of the Rural Cemetery movement – which Forest Lawn is a part of – that began to sweep the country beginning in the mid 1830's. You will be surprised to hear of some former WNY burial ground locations. Some of the very oldest and most unusual cemeteries that still exist in the area will also be discussed.

The program will be presented in Forest Lawn's Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center located on the grounds of Forest Lawn at 1990 Main Street (directly across from Canisius College) with plenty of free parking available.

Please note that tickets for this presentation are $15 for general admission but are FREE for members of the Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation. (Members, please log into your account to redeem your free ticket.)