There are many things that make the Museum at Eldridge Street unique: the building’s remarkable history and distinctive location, breathtaking interior, and extraordinary restoration story. However, it is not the only impressive example of architectural restoration in Lower Manhattan. Another example, Trinity Church, has been part of New York’s history for more than 300 years; the congregation’s first building was erected 190 years before the Eldridge Street Synagogue opened its doors in 1887. Today, Trinity Church is undergoing a restoration project that is similar to the Eldridge project in some ways, but is also as different as the histories of the two institutions. By examining these two restoration projects, we can see how the values of both organizations are reflected in how the buildings are preserved and reinvigorated over time.
