Residents will have a rare chance to step inside some of the region’s most historic houses of worship later this month as a statewide preservation event returns with stops in Seneca Falls and Ithaca.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House is scheduled for May 16 and 17, offering free access to participating religious sites across the state under this year’s theme, “Holding Community Memories.”
The event invites visitors to explore architecture, art and local history through guided tours, performances and self-guided visits, with organizers encouraging people to experience landmarks in their own communities from a new perspective.
In Seneca Falls, Trinity Episcopal Church on Fall Street will be open both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering guided tours and access to a gift shop featuring items tied to the town and its history.
In Ithaca, Forest Home Chapel, part of the First United Methodist Church of Forest Home, will host visitors Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday’s schedule includes musical performances, refreshments and a presentation on the church’s history. On Sunday, visitors can attend morning service followed by refreshments and opportunities to learn more about the building and its role in the community.
Organizers say the annual open house is designed to highlight the cultural and historical significance of religious institutions while making them more accessible to the public.
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