Forest Lawn to Present African American Ancestral Trolley Tour
In collaboration with the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, Forest Lawn to tell the compelling stories of the many accomplished, influential African Americans who rest within its gates.
WHAT: Forest Lawn, in collaboration with the Afro-American Historical Association of the Niagara Frontier, is proud to present a unique tour of Forest Lawn that will celebrate the lives and accomplishments of many influential African Americans who now rest within the cemetery’s gates.
The “African American Ancestral Trolley Tour” is a docent led tour of the historic cemetery aboard Forest Lawn’s climate-controlled trolley, with a focus exclusively on the stories of African Americans whose contributions in civil rights, politics, arts and culture, religion, business, education, the military and other areas have had a significant impact on our community, the nation and the world.
As the tour passes the final resting places of these “permanent residents,” re-enactors will bring some of them “back to life” to greet the visitors and share stories about their time spent on this side of the lawn.
A few of the many people featured on this tour are:
— Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first woman from a major party to run for President of the United States.
— Mary Talbert, a civil rights pioneer, she was called “the best known Colored Woman in the United States,” Talbert was among the most prominent African Americans of her time.
— Rick James, the iconic musician whose career included a number of top 40 hits, one Grammy Award and two other Grammy nominations.
— Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr., one of the most well-known and influential voices in the city’s African American community, he helped bring the local NAACP and Urban League to Buffalo.
WHEN: SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025 11:00 am – 1:00 pm WHERE: Forest Lawn Tour begins at the Margaret L. Wendt Center, located at 1990 Main St., directly across from Canisius College
HOW: This is a ticketed event with all proceeds benefiting the Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation, the charitable organization established to assure the ongoing preservation and care of Forest Lawn. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on the Forest Lawn website at forest-lawn.com.
ABOUT THE FOREST LAWN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
The Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation, Inc., is a charitable 501(c)3 organization established in 1992 to assure the ongoing preservation and care of Forest Lawn’s historically significant buildings, landmarks, arboretum and landscape, and the Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center. In 2024, this charitable mission was expanded to be inclusive of all 14 cemeteries that comprise the Forest Lawn Cemetery Group across Western New York. The Foundation also helps educate teachers, students and the public about the vast cultural, historical, and natural resources within the cemeteries of the Forest Lawn Group. We offer tours, workshops, lectures, theatrical performances and exhibitions that highlight Forest Lawn’s rich history, art, architecture, landscapes and preservation efforts. The Foundation’s focus includes ongoing care of the landscapes, educational resources for lot holders and visitors, as well as investments to enhance our historic and sacred grounds. Learn more at https://forest-lawn.com/about/forest-lawn-heritagefoundation/