The late 19th century will come alive at Fairmount Cemetery at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 during a birthday celebration for Emily Griffith, founder of Emily Griffith Opportunity School.

During the party, fourth-graders from nearby Lowry Elementary School will learn history through participating in activities typical of the late 1800s.

Students will prepare individual nosegays to lay at the foot of Emily’s grave. Michael Kessler, Opportunity School floral design instructor, will meet students in their classroom on Monday, Feb. 9 to explain the symbolism of specific types of flowers and tell how nosegays were used as a means of communicating in the late 1800s.

A typical parlor game will be included in the festivities and refreshments prepared by Opportunity School culinary arts students will reflect Victorian tastes. The guest of honor will be Emily Griffith, as performed by Debra Faulkner.

Opportunity School staff and students, along with volunteers from the Fairmount Heritage Foundation, will join the students in celebrating the life and birthday of Miss Griffith.

Fairmount Cemetery is located at 430 S. Quebec St.; Emily's grave is most easily found by entering the cemetery from Alameda Ave., turning left, and continuing to block 61. In case of inclement weather, the celebration will be held in the Ivy Chapel.

For more information, contact the Emily Griffith Opportunity School Public Relations Department, 303-575-4754, or e-mail kari_gomez-smith@dpsk12.org.