2026 - 296th anniversary of the Consecration of the first Synagogue in North America

LOWER MANHATTAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION held its Fifth Annual Ceremony honoring the 296th anniversary of the Consecration of the first Synagogue in North America on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 26 South William Street co-named ‘Mill Street Synagogue & Seixas Way.’  

THE GERSHOM MENDES SEIXAS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AWARD

The Mill Street Synagogue, located approximately on what is today the corner of South William Street and Mill Lane in Lower Manhattan, was critically important to the development of the Jewish Community in New York City and America. It was from this synagogue that Gershom Mendes Seixas, the “patriot rabbi”, led the Jewish community in New York in support of the American Revolution and participated in George Washington‘s Inauguration.

The presentation of the GERSHOM MENDES SEIXAS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AWARD to Scott Brevda, Deputy Director of Education & Accessibility, Museum at Eldridge Street, which has fostered Rabbi Seixas’ ideals of religious freedom.   

Financial District, Friday, April 4, 2026.

---

Ambrose Madison Richardson

President, Lower Manhattan Historical Association

James S. Kaplan

Co-Founder & Chair, Lower Manhattan Hist

Michael Cavanaugh

President, New Amsterdam History Center

Reverend Zachary Edinger

Shamash/Assistant Hazzan, Congregation Shearith Israel

Peter C. Hein

Past President, Sons of the RevolutionSM in the State of New York, Inc.

Secretary, Lower Manhattan Historical Association

Rabbi Nissi Eber, Director, The Chabad Jewish Center Of FiDi

Abby Suckle

President, cultureNOW;

Vice President, Lower Manhattan Historical Association

Event Program