This summer, the Conservancy’s religious property survey has been reactivated with the generous support of a three-year grant from the Gerry Charitable Trust. Two enthusiastic interns are conducting site surveys and research: rising Columbia University senior architecture major Sam Hosmer, and recent Columbia University graduate Andrew Thomas, who majored in history with a concentration in the history and theory of architecture.
In 2009, the Conservancy conducted an initial survey of 64 Staten Island churches and synagogues. Using city GIS data, Sam and Andrew have identified an additional 32 religious sites with potential architectural, cultural, and historic significance. They’re making appointments and visiting sites, taking photos, collecting congregation histories, and following up with archival research. Their work will confirm which of these sites are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, bringing public recognition to these sites, and connecting congregations with potential Conservancy repair and restoration funding.