Welcome! The History Center in Tompkins County helps you use the tools of history to understand your past, gain perspective on the present, and play an informed role in shaping your future.
Opening on Friday, March 1st and running through June 14th
The exhibit, featuring photographs from Joe Conzo, will tell the story of the birth of Hip Hop in the Bronx in the early 1970's, and will set the stage for a number of other Hip Hop related programs and exhibits opening in April throughout the community...
November 10, 2012
The History Center unveils its new exhibit titled Haudenosaunee Environmental History 2.0, a panel of statements from past and present Haudenosaunee leaders on the environment, made possible by a generous grant from the New York State Council for the Humanities...
The History Center will inaugurate its new permanent interactive exhibition for kids Life in the 1890's on September 7th, 2012, 5 to 8pm, as part of the First Friday Gallery Nights.
Ledgers, receipts and images from The History Center's archival collections, a large-scale replica of the Eight Square Schoolhouse, and a 19th-century country store and sales counter transport children (and adults) to daily life in the 1890's...
The Campaign for the Eight Square Schoolhouse seeks the funding necessary to preserve the integrity of this important building for generations to come while expanding the educational programs that have helped preserve a bridge between our past and the present. Your gift today will go far in ensuring that this community treasure remains a vital part of the cultural and educational fabric of Tompkins County for our children, and for generations beyond them.
Visit our gallery and admire original historic maps that recount the evolution of Tompkins County and Ithaca's territorial zonings from 1853 to present day.
Tompkins County TimelineRetrace our local history from geological times to the present day through a permanent photo exhibit in our entry hallway.
Open StorageThe "big shelf" situated in our main gallery shows an eclectic selection of curiosities from our main collection. Come and look at objects that people in Tompkins County used in their daily lives, from an old-fashion bicycle to a chamber pot....
Life in the 1890'sExplore an interactive exhibit about people's daily life in the 1890's, with a 19th-century country store, an authentic cash register and a large-scale replica of the Eight Square Schoolhouse...
Infected
A Panel Discussion on Influenza Epidemics
Date & Time: April 25th from 5:30 until 7:00 pm
Place: The History Center
Decay to DJ
Decay to DJ: Exploring the Roots of Hip Hop, opening on Friday, March 1st and running throughout the month.
Date & Time: March 1st - June 1th
Place: The History Center
Annual Meeting 2012
The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. Local wine and light hors d'ouevres will be served.
Date & Time: 12/4 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Place: The History Center
