Forest Lawn

There’s no place like Forest Lawn.  As one of the first deliberately designed and professionally landscaped rural cemeteries in the United States, its first interment took place in 1850.  Today, there are more than 161,000 permanent residents in this 269-acre, not-for-profit cemetery, where all are welcome.  

Forest Lawn is also at the heart of Western New York’s cultural tourism renaissance.  Each year, we’re proud to host thousands of visitors who come to enjoy all that Forest Lawn has to offer.  Unmatched natural beauty – hills, valleys, lakes and streams.  Sculptural masterpieces.  Living history.  Most importantly, the stories of those who now rest in peace under our care - from a U.S. President and foreign royalty, to captains of industry, artists, inventors, veterans from every U.S. conflict since the Revolutionary War and people like us who have quietly built the community that we and our families enjoy.  Each has a story to be told, and these stories don’t end here.  They live on through the expansive archives and genealogical resources of the Margaret L. Wendt Archive and Resource Center and through our award-winning tours, concerts, lectures and special events.

It is the discovery of these stories and the many new ways that they can now be preserved and shared with the world that puts Forest Lawn at the forefront of redefining and expanding the very idea of what a cemetery is for.  A place both devoted to our past and essential to our future.  A place to cherish and preserve.  And now more than ever, a place where memories live and the stories are told.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, make new friends, cultivate your interests…and even get some exercise! As we expand our walking and trolley tours and calendar of events there is always a need for volunteers and docents willing to share their time, energy, enthusiasm and knowledge.

We welcome  applicants with diverse backgrounds willing to share their love of Buffalo, history, art, architecture and/or the cemetery's natural beauty with visitors from all walks of life and around the world. 

If you have are interested in becoming a docent, or just looking for a unique place to make a difference you are invited to call us at 716-332-2233. Opportunities are available all year long with Forest Lawn.