By JODI SOKOLOWSKI
Buffalo Law Journal

Most born-and-bred Buffalonians know that the city produced two American presidents in the 19th century: Millard Fillmore and Grover Cleveland.

Three area women have such a passion for these presidential connections that they have founded the Association for the Buffalo Presidential Center.

"I've always had an interest in history, politics, government and, of course, law," said Maryann Saccomando Freedman, an attorney at Cohen & Lombardo PC. She is one of three members of the steering committee for the center, along with Sarah Slavin, a professor emeritus at Buffalo State College, and Joan Bozer, a former Erie County legislator.

The three women started discussing the idea of such a center about five years ago and began with a series of small receptions at Freedman's office.

"We developed this idea of having a series of events in historically relevant sites related to the presidents, and it has been amazing how supportive the people running those sites have been," Freedman said.

The center's primary mission is to promote the region's role in shaping the ideals and leadership styles of Fillmore and Cleveland. It will also explore the people who supported them to, through and after their presidential roles, as well as related places and events.

While the center does not yet have a physical home, it has already held its first activity, a "presidential tour" of Forest Lawn Cemetery, on Oct. 7, and is preparing for its second event this weekend.

A private cocktail reception on Saturday night and a public event on Sunday afternoon from 1 to 4 will educate attendees about the River Lea home on Beaver Island. River Lea was the summer home of Lewis and Margaret Allen, Cleveland's aunt and uncle who hosted him when he first arrived in Buffalo.

"The uncle convinced him to stay in Buffalo and mentored him in studying law and becoming a lawyer," Freedman said.

Curtis Nestark, president of the Grand Island Historical Society, which operates River Lea, credits the trio spearheading the center's creation.

"These three women recognized that these people have been forgotten, and they're determined to do something about it," he said. "It would be a crime if the Society doesn't assist them because of our Grover Cleveland connection."

The same holds true for Forest Lawn Group president Joseph Dispenza, who helped organize the cemetery tour.

"People (will) come together to delve into and learn the scholarship of Western New York and the connection to the office of the president," he said.

Freedman, Slavin and Bozer are relying on other volunteers, as well as grants, to help propel the center's future.

"Our work right now is to get the organizational stuff done and to keep the project in the forefront," Freedman said. "We need to bring in our representatives and government at all levels to eventually have a home where people can become informed."

The center's next goals are obtaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status and raising funds for a paid staff and for a brick-and-mortar site.

"We're doing baby steps - let's bring it to the public's attention and get this thing moving," said Freedman. All three founders have spent hundreds of dollars out of their own pockets to start the center, she noted.

Freedman envisions that the center will continue to organize collaborative events with area sites, provide tours and programs, host speakers and sponsor exhibits.

"Of course, tourism is the biggest dynamic thing that everyone's talking about right now," Freedman said. "I think it would be good for Buffalo."