The History Center in Tompkins County

The History Center is supported in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency.

The History Center is a member of Ithaca's Discovery Trail.

For the up-to-date Ithaca events calendar visit ithacaevents.com

Local Links:

Tompkins County Historic Maps

Tompkins County Historian

History Made Daily at The History Center

West End Waterfront District - Rhiner Festival Celebrate the rich and fascinating history of Ithaca’s West End Waterfront District and watch a mystery unfold...

August History Cafe: The Ups and Downs of Cayuga Lake Join us for an August History Café, where Bill Kappel, a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, will examine the ever-changing water levels of Cayuga Lake.

Out Upon Cayuga’s Waters: 100 years of life on the lake Opening on June 16th, this new exhibit uses artifacts and images to depict the commerce and the sport, the swimmers, and the steamboats that have made lake life rich and rewarding.

The Colorful Characters of Ithaca’s Past Join us for Historical Walking Tours touching upon many important events in the City’s history such as the Iroquois Settlement along Cayuga Lake, Cornell University history, and silent movie stars.

Timeline of African American History Visit our timeline of African American History.

women Women Making a Difference in Tompkins County The History Center commemorates Women’s History Month with an on-line exhibit celebrating the lives of nine very memorable local women.

thought bubble Kids' Letters to President Obama The Hstory Center and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center asked students to write a letter to President Barack Obama.

The History Center’s Year in Review
The History Center has had an eventful year, full of variety in terms of programming and other educational activities, with several key events which have created a benchmark for us in our future activities.

History Center Seeking Help for Transportation Exhibit Series
This coming fall and winter the History Center in Tompkins County will present a series of exhibits relating to different modes of transportation and the affect each had on Tompkins County. In mid August we will kick off with On the Road, an exhibit exploring the impact of roads and the automobile on the area.

verne morton Verne Morton… A Photographer Who Made the Commonplace Compelling! The History Center's online photo store now includes a series of five pages where you can view and purchase these amazing photographs.

Ithaca Journal Headquarters, 1907 HistoryCam Walking Tour Now Available Step through Time in Downtown Ithaca is a great opportunity for the whole family to learn about Ithaca's wonderful past. Take the tour today!