Three churches in Peekskill will take part in the 15th Annual Sacred Sites Open House, organized by the New York Landmarks Conservancy. This institution has worked for over 50 years and has preserved more than 1,000 buildings. This weekend, the doors of these century-old temples will open to the public, offering an intimate glimpse into the history, architecture, and art preserved through time.
The statewide initiative includes several churches throughout Westchester County. The goal of the tour is to grant the community access to some of these sacred places, where spirituality and the legacy of past generations come to life in every stone, stained glass window, and corner of these monuments.
This year’s theme, “Building for Eternity: Religious Architecture and Artisans,” invites the public to explore religious spaces as if they were tourists in their own town. Admission is free. Guides will be members of the congregations, who will share insights about the buildings and their role in community life. In addition to guided tours, there will be talks and artistic presentations.
Three Peekskill temples will participate in the event on Saturday, May 17: Peekskill Presbyterian Church, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the historic Old St. Peter’s Church, both open from 12 to 4 p.m. Each location will offer a unique perspective on local heritage.
Also in Westchester County, Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow will open its doors to the public on the same day, from 12 to 3 p.m. A special talk will be given by an expert church guide, who will share historical information about the building. Families will receive activity sheets to explore the church and the historic cemetery surrounding it.
Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, explains that the event helps residents and visitors appreciate the cultural and architectural significance of these sites. “We hope you will enjoy discovering the architectural treasures in your own community.”
The event is supported by preservation organizations across the state, including Adirondack Architectural Heritage, Preservation Buffalo Niagara, Landmark West, and others. For more information and to view the complete list of open sites, visit the official website.
