This new funding allows us to begin filming the incredible artists who are reimagining Cherry Lane Cemetery, its church, and the vibrant community that surrounded it — transforming a story of erasure into one of beauty and remembrance. This will culminate in an exhibition and memory project scheduled for February 2026 at Empire Outlets on Staten Island.

We’ll also be engaging budding filmmakers from Staten Island’s McKee CTE High School to create their own short films about Cherry Lane — a hands-on way to develop their skills and learn about Staten Island’s forgotten history.