GCC's Arts and Letters luncheon
explores area cemeteries

Genesee Community College's October 31 Arts and Letters Luncheon will focus on the history and lore of Western New York cemeteries. The event will be held at Tillman's Village Inn in Childs, north of Albion (corner of Routes 98 and 104), from noon to 1:30 p.m. that day.

The October Arts and Letters Luncheon will feature Benedict R. Maryniak, an expert on regional history. He will describe the origins of many Western New York cemeteries, funeral customs over the years, and the cultural and historic significance of the cemetery designs throughout the region. His presentation will captivate anyone with an interest in regional history, cemeteries, and Western New York culture, according to Allen R. Kidder, Associate Dean at Genesee Community College at Orleans and one of the organizers of the event.

Cost of the Arts and Letters event is $23, which includes lunch at Tillman's. Reservations and menu selections may be made by contacting Genesee Community College at Orleans at (585) 589-4936, or by e-mailing psfurness@genesee.edu.

The event will be a look at the region's cemeteries and the historical circumstances surrounding their creation and growth, according to Kidder. "Talking to Mr. Maryniak, I learned that many of our early cemeteries were designed by people who had very specific financial and religious motives in mind," he said. "He knows many fascinating stories about the influence of prominent families in cemetery design, and many historical oddities about cemeteries throughout the region. I'm looking forward to his talk, and to welcoming people from across Western New York to the event."

The presentation will be illustrated by slides, Kidder said.