Prospect Cemetery and the Chapel of the Sisters
94-14 159th St Jamaica,NY 11433,
Time: 10am on May 17th (Sunday)
The tour will last approximately 30-45 minutes and be guided by a descendant whose family is buried in Prospect Cemetery. Please plan to arrive on time, as this will be a guided tour of a site which is not typically open to the public.
Please note that the tour of the cemetery grounds will be on an uneven walking surface and has some overgrowth of vegetation. We recommend wearing close-toe shoes, long pants, and sun-protection, if necessary.
Prospect Cemetery is accessible via public transportation, off the E, J, Z stop at Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and walking through the tunnel at 160th St towards York College, where the site can be accessed through the York College Learning Center. Parking for this event is available directly on the walkway adjacent to Prospect Cemetery (on 159th Street).
You can book tickets through Eventbrite.
Abyssinian Baptist Church – Manhattan
132 W 138th St,New York, NY 10030
Join Abyssinian Baptist Church for the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s annual Sacred Sites Open House.
This free, citywide event invites visitors to explore historic sites through tours and special programming. This year’s theme, Holding Community Memories, highlights the stories and traditions that shape these spaces.
Guided Tour | Saturday, May 16th – 11am – 1pm
Pre-book at our Evenbrite page here.
Step inside the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the first African American Baptist church in New York State, and journey through more than two centuries of spiritual, cultural, and architectural history. This guided experience includes an in‑depth tour of the sanctuary, a curated viewing of materials from Abyssinian’s Archives, and an engaging introduction to the church’s renowned pipe organ, culminating in a live demonstration in our historic sanctuary.From a courageous community of free African Americans gathering in faith during slavery’s era that today is recognized as one of the world’s most influential spiritual institutions, Abyssinian remains a pillar of faith, illuminating Harlem and reaching hearts across the globe.
Worship Service| Sunday, May 17th – 10am – 12pm
Pre-book at our Evenbrite page here.
You’re invited to a worship experience that’s full of joy, love, and connection. At Abyssinian, we don’t just gather—we celebrate. Our services blend powerful preaching with the rich rhythms of our heritage—from soul-stirring spirituals and gospel, to the heartbeats of jazz, blues, and beyond. Come and experience worship that uplifts the soul and embraces faith, culture, and community—all in one beautiful space.
The Green-Wood Cemetery – Brooklyn, NY
500 25th Street Brooklyn,NY 11232,
On May 16th visitors can enjoy a panel discussion and guided mini trolley tour from 2:00–4:30 pm, taking place at The Green-House at Green-Wood and the Freedom Lots.
To register, please visit the Eventbrite page below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-freedom-lots-a-brooklyn-story-tickets-1988408064046
An art installation, El Cielo Mar, will also be on view in the Historic Chapel.
For more details this event: https://www.green-wood.com/event/the-freedom-lots-a-brooklyn-story/
Inwood Sacred Site – Manhattan
3972 10th Avenue New York NY 10034,,
Visitors can expect a thoughtfully paced, guided program that opens with a brief presentation on the layered history of this ground—its profound significance as both an African burial site and a Lenape ceremonial place—followed by a glimpse into the vision taking shape: a sacred center honoring those whose lives and labor are woven into the foundations of New York. The program will include a libation led by Chief Ayanda Ifadara Clarke, grounding the gathering in remembrance and respect. A brief film and visual materials will help bring the future site into view, and the program will close with time for conversation, questions, and informal connection with those carrying this work forward.
Please note that the Inwood Sacred Site is still in development. This open house offers an early look at the vision for the site and memorial, which is anticipated to open in approximately two years.
Due to the nature of the site, space is primarily standing room. The primary program will take place from 2:00–3:00 PM. To pre-book for the tour, please reserve your spot at our Evenbrite page.
Seneca Village and its Historic Church Sites – Manhattan
West 85th Street and Central Park West New York NY 10024,,
Join Central Park Conservancy guides on a free tour of Seneca Village, a predominantly Black community that existed along what is now the Park’s perimeter from West 82nd to 89th Street, as part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Open House weekend.
Seneca Village was established in 1825 when free Black residents from downtown started purchasing land within what would later become Central Park. By 1855, Seneca Village was home to 225 residents – two-thirds Black and one-third Irish – three churches, and a school. When the City acquired the land for Central Park in 1857, its residents were displaced and forgotten.
- African Union Methodist Church was the first church built in the village, in 1840, and one of two Black Methodist churches.
- All Angels’ Episcopal Church was built in 1849.
- African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) Church purchased land in Seneca Village for burials in 1825 and built a church in 1853.
In honor of the open house theme, Holding Community Memories, visitors will tour the Seneca Village landscape, gain insight into this community, and learn about the events that resulted in the displacement of Seneca Village residents for the construction of a new park. We also encourage attendees to visit Harlem AME Zion Church and All Angels’ Church, descendant congregations of Seneca Village churches, to explore their sacred sites.
REGISTER TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT ON Eventbrite.
Christ and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – Manhattan
120 West 69th Street,New York, NY 10023
Saturday
- 1:15pm: Booked guided tour of the church
- 2:15pm: Organ overview and demonstration
Sunday
- 1:15pm: Booked guided tour of the church
- 2:15pm: Organ overview and demonstration
To book a tour, book on our Eventbrite page.
Museum at Eldridge Street – Manhattan
12 Eldridge St,New York, NY 10002
Complimentary admission will be offered on Sunday, May 17th, from 10am-5pm! Docent-led tours will be offered on the hour.
Grace Church Brooklyn Heights – Brooklyn
254 Hicks Street,Brooklyn, NY 11201
Please stop by Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights to celebrate and view our sacred space on Saturday, May 16th from 12:30-3:30pm. We’ll have organ demonstrations at 1:00 and 2:30.
On Sunday, May 17th at 3pm the American Guild of Organists Brooklyn Chapter and its Dean Gregory D’Agostino invite everyone to the Annual Members’ Concert – free and open to the public. Please register at the Evenbrite link above (no registration is required to visit the church, only to attend the concert.)