CANTON – Two congregations in Canton will open their doors May 17 and 18 as part of the New York Landmarks Conservancy’s 15th Annual Sacred Sites Open House weekend. 

The statewide event invites visitors to explore the rich architectural, artistic, and cultural heritage of New York’s houses of worship, many of which are rarely open to the general public.

This year’s theme, “Building for Eternity: Religious Architecture and Artisans,” honors the skilled artisans and enduring craftsmanship that define religious architecture across the state. The event features free guided tours, educational talks, musical performances, and more, encouraging New Yorkers to become “tourists in their own towns.”

“Open House Weekend is a wonderful opportunity to explore buildings you might not have entered otherwise,” said Peg Breen, president of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. “We hope you will enjoy discovering the architectural treasures in your own community.”

In Canton, the following congregations are participating: Grace Episcopal Church, 9 East Main Street
Open Saturday, May 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy live music from local performers and light refreshments. Sunday’s programming begins with a service at 9 a.m. Also: Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton, 3½ East Main Street; open Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrating its Bicentennial in 2025, the church will feature a special exhibit showcasing its stained-glass windows, architectural history, and photographs tracing its evolution from its original 1826 building through present-day renovations.

The Sacred Sites Open House provides a unique look at how religious institutions have served as cultural and architectural anchors in communities for generations.

More information, including a full list of participating sites across the state, is available at nylandmarks.org.