There will be several cemetery tours in Buffalo during the month of June.
The group Explore Buffalo will be offering several cemetery tours in June.
Jewish Cemeteries Walking Tour – June 2, 16 and 27
Explore Buffalo and the Jewish Buffalo History Center are partnering to present a tour of the Jewish cemeteries along Pine Ridge Road. These cemeteries have varied histories: some are maintained by active synagogues or organizations and others still cared for (even though the associated synagogues that no longer exist). They are important parts of the Jewish legacy in western New York. Visiting these cemeteries provides a look at the growth and evolution of Buffalo’s Jewish community, as synagogues were formed, grew, and in some cases, merged back together.
United German and French Cemetery – June 5, 16 and 29
This walking tour of the United German & French Cemetery explores the final resting places of some of the earliest residents of Buffalo, who grew industries, built civic institutions, and shaped the city. You will be introduced to manufacturers, inventors, brewers, craftsmen, heroes, sportsmen, a brothel owner, and a sandwich maker – all of whom called Buffalo their home.
Holy Cross Cemetery – June 30
Inextricably bound to the history of Buffalo is the story of the Irish immigrants and their descendants who helped transform the city from a tiny village to a booming metropolis in the span of a century. Some were scoundrels, some were heroes, but all contributed their brains and brawn to the growth of Buffalo. Hear their stories and see the beautiful carved monuments that mark their final resting places.
The cost for each tour is : General Admission: $18 and Children and Students: $8. To register, go to: https://explorebuffalo.org/calendar/ and select the appropriate date.
Forest Lawn Cemetery
Forest Lawn Cemetery offers several walking and trolley tours in June. These are two of the more unique tours.
African American Trolley Tour – June 15 – 11 a.m.
In partnership with the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, come aboard the trolley for stories of notable African Americans resting inside our gates. Hear about their local and national contributions and achievements. The cost is $35. To register, go to: https://forest-lawn.com/event/african-american-ancestral-trolley-tour/
Historic Civil War Trolley Tour – June 16 , 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Come aboard the trolley for an immersive exploration of Civil War history. Learn the stories and visit the final resting places of many Civil War notables who are among the cemetery’s permanent residents, including well-known soldiers, political figures, and women connected to Western New York. The cost is $35. To register, go to: https://forest-lawn.com/event/the-historic-civil-war-trolley-tour-6/ or https://forest-lawn.com/event/the-historic-civil-war-trolley-tour-5/
