Exploring Historic Churches In Southern Tier This Weekend

If you’ve ever driven past an old church in the Southern Tier and wondered what it looks like inside, this weekend might be your chance to finally find out. Congregations across Binghamton, Endicott, Johnson City, and Endwell will take part in the 16th annual Sacred Sites Open House hosted by New York Landmarks Conservancy.

Visitors Can Explore History, Architecture, and Art

The free statewide event happens Saturday, May 16th and Sunday, May 17th and invites New Yorkers to come inside some of the region’s most historic houses of worship. Participating sites will have guided tours, musical performances, lectures, and opportunities to learn about the history and architecture behind these longtime community landmarks.

This year’s theme is “Holding Community Memories,” focusing on the role these buildings have played in preserving local stories and traditions through generations. Even if you’re not religious, these places are gorgeous inside and hold a piece of history many people never see up close.

More Than 20 Southern Tier Sites Are Participating

According to organizers, 18 sites in Binghamton are participating, along with three in Endicott, three in Johnson City, and more locations in Endwell. You are welcome to either join organized activities or just walk through the buildings at your own pace.

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A Chance To Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy, says the event is meant to encourage people to see the art, architecture, and stories hiding in plain sight right in their own communities. More information about participating sites and schedules can be found at New York Landmarks Conservancy.

A Remarkable Look Inside 26 Of Upstate New York's Most Historic Churches!

There are just way too many beautiful churches in Upstate New York to even begin a comprehensive list of them all. So this gallery is a bit different. It is unique in that for each of the 26 historic places of worship we highlight, we also include a video tour of the interiors of the place (if available). If no video of the interior was possible, we inserted a video of the exterior, grounds, etc. If not, we found great photos. So you can do your exploring from the comfort of your own laptop! You will enjoy seeing the splendor of these magnificent places in our gallery.

Here you will see majestic cathedrals, a Tibetan monastery, a church that ultimately found fame as a fort, a church that is world-renowned as a "temple to the art of Tiffany windows," two important churches that were way stations along the Underground Railroad, a spectacular church made of sandstone, and an unbelievable church built by the Rockefellers who commissioned two of the world's most famous artists to contribute to the interior. Plus the smallest church in the world!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

21 of Upstate New York's Beautiful "Red Door" Churches

There is no shortage when it comes to beautiful churches around the Upstate New York region. But, have you ever noticed how many of these houses of worship have bright red painted front doors? I have. Having put thousands of miles on the roads of the region writing and researching books, I always notice these "red door" churches. And I always think, "gee, wouldn't they make a great calendar?" The idea is yours, my friends.....no charge!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio