History Museum Program Series: The Story Behind William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home June 29

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs History Museum will host a discussion 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 29 of the rich history of the oldest continuously running funeral home in Saratoga Springs, which opened in 1893 as William J. Burke and Sons, Undertaker and Embalmer. 

Panel speakers include writer/historian Carol Stone Godette, Burke & Bussing’s Mark Phillips, and Jacqueline Bunge, the History Museum’s Education Director.

The three will discuss Victorian-era mourning and funeral customs; how William Burke’s involvement in the embalming of President Ulysses S Grant led him to open his own funeral home; and the rich history of Burke’s role as one of four operating funeral homes in Saratoga Springs (including Simone’s Funeral Home, Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, and Kark & Tunison Funeral Home). Many historic and personal images from the speakers’ private collections as well as a special display of artifacts will illustrate the talk.

The program takes place at the Canfield Casino, in Congress Park. Admission is free for History Museum members, and $10 for non-members. Tickets and more details at: www.saratogahistory.org/events.