The Women’s Interfaith Institute was founded in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts in 1992 under the leadership of Allison Stokes. After Allison moved to New York, she organized the Institute’s Finger Lakes affiliate in 2002. Although the two non-profit organizations are incorporated separately, we share a common mission and our boards work closely together.

To visit Bershires affiliate click here: http://www.womensinterfaithberkshires.org

In February 2003, the Institute in the Finger Lakes purchased the historic church next door to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. On March 5th, 2009 The Women's Interfaith Institute of the Finger Lakes suffered a devastating fire. The fire took place three days after renovations were complete. Our goal for our historic building is to restore it to its original beauty, while making it a functional and fully accessible center for the pursuit of knowledge, spirituality and community.

Beginning August 1st, 2009, Sylvia Strobel assumed Executive Directorship of the Institute. She has exciting ideas for a new initiative that will compliment the Institute’s work of the past in bridging difference. Sylvia is imagining a new program-

Bringing Peace to Life - From Farm to Table.

After renovation is complete we anticipate operating a commercial kitchen, hosting healthy eating/vegetable based cooking classes, offering seminars on sustainable agriculture and organic farming, seminars and retreats centered around healthy living, monthly community lunches for seniors and eventually a space to sell local/artisan natural foods plus offer a meeting space for the community to rent. Yes a very long range plan, and very daunting but very exciting.

Our Location

The mission of the Institute is visually conveyed by our narrative quilt, “Unquiet Friend,” created by award-winning artist Alice Gant of Trumansburg, New York. The image is one of hospitality-- Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, Lucretia and John Mott gathered around a table. Text on the quilt reads, “Abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, runaway slaves, friends and family gathered at the Mott’s table.” This stunning work of art, a gift of friends of the Institute, survived the Institute’s fire and has been restored to its original beauty.

Inspired by the spiritual and religious diversity of our foremothers, who gathered together around the table to nourish body, soul and mind, we invoke our Seneca Falls heritage to move us forward together in promoting hospitality, interfaith dialogue, cooperation and peace.