A new exhibition of rare artifacts showcasing the region's connection to the White House opens this weekend at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
The Presidents in Buffalo includes historic memorabilia about Western New York's "resident presidents," Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland, the assassination of William McKinley, and even a tribute to Belva Lockwood, the first serious woman candidate for president.
The exhibition is being put on by the Association for a Buffalo Presidential Center. Board Trustee Bren Price says people are "astounded" by the local history.
"Buffalo's presidential legacy is probably more significant and more influential than any other city in the country, perhaps with the exception of obviously Washington and maybe Boston and New York and Philadelphia, but our presidential legacy is something everyone should know about," Price said.
Memorabilia on display from nearly three-dozen presidents includes the Bible Grover Cleveland used during both of his inaugurations, a 200-year-old ceramic cup used to support James Monroe and a candle holder promoting Abraham Lincoln for president.
"The Presidents in Buffalo" is free and opens September 10 at the Margaret L. Wendt Archive Center at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Along with the exhibition, Forest Lawn is offering a tour called "Hail to the Chief" highlighting the cemetery's permanent residents who had ties to the White House.