Take a virtual tour of the Albany Rural Cemetery with Mark Bodnar

— The Peace Hat and President Chester Arthur, 1829 - 1886

President Chester A. Arthur is one of many famous people buried at Albany rural Cemetery. On Oct. 3, Mark Bodner will lead a virtual tour of the cemetery for the Clarksville Historical Society, which is free and open to the public.

To the Editor:

One of the first rural cemeteries established in the United States, historic Albany Rural Cemetery was founded in 1841, twenty years before the Civil War began, at a time when the United States contained just 26 states.

Today, Albany Rural is comprised of 467 acres and contains more than 130,000 interments. In addition to visiting the graves of family, friends, and historical figures, visitors come to Albany Rural to view the many ornate examples of cemetery architecture and sculpture.

Albany Rural Cemetery has long been considered a kind of outdoor sculpture museum, containing hundreds of fine examples of Victorian cemetery art.

In a Powerpoint presentation at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3, our speaker, Mark Bodnar, will take you on a special tour of the Albany Rural Cemetery.

As he weaves a tapestry of genealogical research, local history, and military interest, you’ll be treated to a virtual tour of the cemetery, visiting the graves of many prominent people who are interred there, including political figures, industrialists, businessmen, and Civil War soldiers.

The program, hosted by the Clarksville Historical Society, will be held at the Clarksville Community Church at 1997 Delaware Turnpike in Clarksville. The public is invited, and refreshments will be served following the program. For more information, call 518-768-2870.

Sandy Slingerland

Clarksville Historical Society

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