Sacred sites open house this weekend

Western New York Congregations to Participate in New York Landmarks Conservancy 16th Annual Sacred Sites Open House -- “Holding Community Memories,” on May 16 & 17

Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Medina Sites Open Doors to the

Community in Statewide Event

The New York Landmarks Conservancy is proud to announce its 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House on May 16 & 17 a free, state-wide event inviting visitors to explore the extraordinary architecture, art and history of diverse houses of worship across New York. This year’s theme is “Holding Community Memories,” and participating sites will showcase their buildings, histories, and community programs through guided tours, lectures, musical performances, and by opening their archives. Visitors are also free to tour these wonderful buildings on their own, to discover world-class artistic treasures and the remarkable history found in religious institutions throughout New York State.

“Open House Weekend is an invitation to explore the architecture, art, and history within religious buildings in your community,” says Peg Breen, President of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. “It’s an easy and enjoyable way to be a tourist in your own town.”

To date, congregations participating from the Western New York region in Sacred Sites Open House on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, include:

Buffalo

• Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 317 Leroy Avenue, - Saturday, May 16, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Docents will share their knowledge of this near-perfect replication of twelfth century Lombard-Romanesque architecture built between 1923 and 1928 including its handmade bricks, extensive use of terra cotta, fascinating medieval iconography, and display of more than 2,000 Christian symbols—all “made in America” by local tradesmen and artisans. The first architectural landmark designated by the Buffalo Landmark and Preservation Board, it is also listed on the national and state Registers of Historic Places.

• Corpus Christi Church, 199 Clark Street – Saturday, May 16, 9:00am – 3:00pm and Sunday, May 17, 12:00pm – 3:00pm.

Niagara Falls

• Niagara Heritage of Hope and Service, Home of Historic Holy Trinity, 1419 Falls Street – Sunday, May 17, 12:00pm – 3:00pm.

Medina

• St. John’s Episcopal Church, 200 E Center Street – Saturday, May 16, 11:00am – 3:00pm. Join in celebrating this sacred space while enjoying guided tours, music and games for the children.