Come Honour The 100th Aniversary Of The Death Of North America’s First Female Architect In Buffalo, New York

A Submission The Representatives of Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York

(If you are interested in the history of our Greater Niagara Region, you may want to be there. More than a few people who have made history in this region are laying at rest at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo, New York, including the first lady of architecture in North America, whose legacy will be honoured on the 100^th anniversary of her death this coming  Wednesday, December, 18^th  at 10:30 a.m., at this heritage cemetery)

A North American pioneer inarchitecture, Lousie Bethune, being honoured in her home town of Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York – On Wednesday, December 18 – the 100^th anniversary of the death of architect Louise Bethune, FAIA – the American Institute of Architects New York State (AIANYS); American Institute of Architects, Buffalo/WNY Chapter; The Buffalo Architecture Foundation and Forest Lawn will dedicate a memorial marker on Bethune’s grave in Section 10 of Forest Lawn at a special ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. Elizabeth Chu Richter, FAIA, 2014 First Vice President/2015 President-Elect of the American Institute of Architects, will be in Buffalo to take part in the ceremony, which will also include placement of a wreath.

Born Jennie Louise Blanchard, Louise Bethune (as she was known professionally) is considered to be the first professional female architect in the United States, and still serves as an inspiration to all architects eager to see their profession extend its borders to encompass the whole of the society it serves. She died on December 18, 1913 and was buried in Section 10 of Forest Lawn.

 In 2001, the American Institute of Architects Buffalo/WNY Chapter erected a plaque honoring Louise Bethune – the first woman architect elected to the AIA and the first woman elevated into the College of Fellows – at roadside in Forest Lawn near the grave.

The entrance to newly renovated Lafayette Hotel, a century old gem in Buffalo, New York, designed by Louise Bethune. Photo by Doug Draper

 In 1886 Bethune, with the support of a number of leading Buffalo architects, formed the Buffalo Society of Architects, which eventually became AIA Buffalo/WNY. She is credited with designing several prominent buildings in Western New York, including Hamburg and Lockport High Schools; the 74^th Regiment Armory (later, Elmwood Music Hall); Denton & Cottier Music Store and the Hotel Lafayette.

 “As the first professional woman architect, Louise Bethune made available a profession that was previously closed to women,” says Kelly Hayes-McAlonie, AIA, Interim Director, Past President, AIANYS. “ She is an inspiration to me as a practicing architect and to women across the U.S. and beyond. We all owe her a tremendous debt.”

As an additional tribute to Louise Bethune, on the evening of December 18, the historic Electric Tower in downtown Buffalo will be lit in “Architect Barbie Pink.”  Louise Bethune was an inspiration for Mattel’s recently introduced Architect Barbie doll, which was designed to inspire girls to consider a career in architecture. The Electric Tower is located at 535 Washington Street.

The ceremony at Forest Lawn is free and open to the public. For more information and directions to Louise Bethune’s gravesite, visit https://www.forest-lawn.com/page/calendar/title/louise-bethune-marker-dedication/ 

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