HOBOKEN, NJ —
August 26, 2026 |
By DailyHudson Staff
Preservationist John Gomez leads talks exploring the architecture and stories behind Hoboken’s sacred landmarks.
The Hoboken Museum has launched a lecture series spotlighting the city’s historic houses of worship, with the first session led by preservationist John Gomez earlier this month. Gomez, founder of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, is exploring the architectural and cultural significance of these buildings.
The series aims to rekindle public appreciation for often-overlooked local landmarks and to highlight their historical context. It’s part of a broader effort to preserve and understand Hoboken’s architectural heritage.
The first lecture covered Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, the Church of the Holy Innocents, and the United Synagogue of Hoboken, with most attention given to Our Lady of Grace.
Gomez used historic newspapers, vintage photographs, and drone photography to reveal rare views of these buildings, including their roofs.
“This building when it was finished was the biggest building in Hoboken,” said Gomez, referring to Our Lady of Grace. “It was the skyscraper of its time.”
Impact: The lectures aim to help residents see familiar places with fresh eyes, fostering a deeper connection to local history. They also highlight the potential of closed sites like the Church of the Holy Innocents, which has been sealed for over three decades.
What Happens Next: Gomez is committed to covering every house of worship in Hoboken in future lectures, with the next session tentatively planned for 2027. Interested residents can sign up for the museum’s newsletter for updates.
The series promises to revive curiosity about Hoboken’s storied past, one sacred landmark at a time.
Source: Jersey Digs
