Nearly 1,000 Southern California Students Expected to Meet the Great Aztec Emperor, Montezuma

A Visit With Montezuma", part of Forest Lawns History Comes Alive" program provides an entertaining and educational experience for school children, teachers, and community visitors.

Glendale, Calif., April 30, 2003 -- "The divine drink, which builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink [cocoa] permits a man to walk for a whole day without food," said Montezuma. This may be one of the many perspectives that captivate nearly 1,000 Southern California youth as they experience the opulence of the reign of Montezuma first hand during a living history event at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills in the Plaza of Mexican Heritage on May 5, 2003 in celebration of Cinco de Mayo.   
   History will come alive as Fabian Gregory Cordova, portrays Montezuma, the last great Aztec Emperor of Mexico, and shares interesting facts about his life, the conquest of his land, and the history of Mexico from the earliest of times. This free event will be repeated at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The event will also feature mariachis, Aztec dancers and Folklorico dancers for a festive celebration and learning experience.
   Forest Lawn takes pride in its role as a Southern California landmark and active participant in our community through special events and exhibits presented in an idyllic, peaceful setting," said Alison Bruesehoff, museum executive director of Forest Lawn. Our living-history programs are designed to complement the California public school curriculum through interactive programs supported with educational materials that can be used and expanded on in the classroom or at home."
   All attendees will receive a collection of information and gift items from Forest Lawn that are designed to extend their learning experience about the early history of Mexico and its impact on our California heritage. In addition, educators will be provided with age-specific curriculum materials that can enhance the field trip experience and apply the information to various educational disciplines in the classroom. Schools from Simi Valley to Grand Terrace, Burbank to Huntington Beach and cities in between will bring students ranging in age from pre-kindergarten though seventh to this special event.
   Forest Lawn regularly hosts a variety of cultural and civic programs. Upcoming events include the From Ararat to America" art exhibit beginning April 25th and the Art of Setsu -- Portraits and Panoramas" art exhibit beginning on May 17th. Both free exhibits will be at the Forest Lawn Museum at Forest Lawn-Glendale and are open to the public seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
   A Visit with Montezuma" is part of Forest Lawns History Comes Alive program, a series of events designed to provide Southern California residents with an opportunity to experience key events and meet historically influential persons as if they were alive. Other events in the History Comes Alive series include A Visit with Great Presidents, A Visit with Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, "Life of Christ" Mosaic Program, A Visit with Father Serra, and A Visit with Great American Inventors.
   The Visit with Montezuma program is open to the public at no charge, however reservations are required. The Plaza of Mexican Heritage, an outdoor exhibit that covers the early history of what is present day Mexico, and showcases artifacts from the Olmecs circa 100 BC to the Aztecs can be visited seven days a week between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills is located at 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, Calif. 90068-1018. For more information and/or reservations, call 1-800-204-3131 ext. 4738 or visit www.forestlawn.com.
About Forest Lawn
   Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries have been serving the greater Los Angeles area for nearly 100 years through its five parks in Long Beach, Cypress, Hollywood Hills, Covina, and Glendale where the company is headquartered. In addition to the Memorial-Parks, Forest Lawn offers a wide range of products and services including funeral planning, funeral insurance, and mortuary services. Known for its pristine and serene environments sprinkled with architectural masterpieces -- both original works and reproductions -- the Memorial-Parks have offered solace, respite and peace to visitors. A dedicated member of the community, Forest Lawn regularly creates and hosts a diverse schedule of special events and community services ranging from educational programs, to art exhibits, childrens workshops, holiday celebrations, and grief counseling.
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