Boston, Massachusetts

The 1919-1920 Vilna Shul on Beacon Hill is Boston’s last intact early 20th century synagogue building. Its sanctuary interior has recently been recommended for landmark status by the Boston Landmarks Commission due to its architectural significance as an intact building type and its historical value to Jewish history in Boston.

The Vilna Center for Jewish Heritage, Inc. was founded in 1990 to restore the shul and create a cultural and educational facility at the site. In addition to restoring the sanctuary, ancillary spaces will be remodeled to house an exhibition gallery, research library, archive, administrative offices and an elevator providing accessibility for the disabled and improving life safety. A thorough physical rehabilitation of the previously abandoned building will be required, along with space planning, existing conditions documentation and specifications for construction. Work will proceed according to fundraising capabilities. When completed, the center will welcome visitors and add to the cultural and historical wealth of the Historic Beacon Hill District.