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Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, located just 20 minutes from the Ethical Society, is more than an active cemetery and a beautiful park-like sanctuary. It is a historic landmark, reflecting both the beginnings and the evolution of the rural cemetery movement and the history of St. Louis and its citizens. Additionally, it is a world-class arboretum and a model practitioner of sustainable land management and energy efficiency.

The cemetery holds the remains of men and women, Black and white, rich and poor, famous and not well-known. Bellefontaine Vice President Richard Lay will delight us with stories of some of St. Louis history’s notables, including pioneers in the civil rights and women’s suffrage movements. At our 9:45 Forum earlier in the day, he will speak to us about the cemetery’s environmentally friendly green burial option.