HAL shares history of Botanical Gardens

The Historical Association of Lewiston's May program is titled, "History of the Buffalo Botanical Gardens." The event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston.

Robert Snyder, a local historian, horticultural volunteer, docent and expert on past and present local gardens, will offer a presentation on the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. Snyder's presentation covers all aspects of the Botanical Garden's history, from the beginnings of Buffalo's 115-year-old venue through its unique horticultural collection.

This evening is also HAL's annual organizational meeting. All are welcomed to attend to hear updates on the association, including news about the latest programs and projects. Dues-paying members will vote for candidates to fill vacancies on the board of trustees.

Snyder is a retired art teacher. He taught public school art for over 30 years in the Depew Public School System. He is also a veteran who served two years in the U.S. Army, during which time he spent a year in Vietnam. Snyder has been retired since July of 2003 and, for the past 10 years, has been a volunteer at the Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens. There, he does horticultural work, gives guided tours, helps out at events and has collected the history of the gardens.

He is also part of an organization that is restoring the Orchard Park railroad depot. Snyder helped put the depot on the state and national registers of historic places, and managed to get a stewardship award from Preservation Buffalo Niagara.

This event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.