Walk through local stories and discover the history of Tompkins County

Open Hours

Our Exhibit Hall is open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm throughout the year. 

HOLIDAY HOURS - Exhibit Hall will be closed: all Election Days, Juneteenth

Suggested Donation
Adults: $10
Child: $4

BOOK IN ADVANCE

Scheduling in advance secures your space during your requested time, but the Exhibit Hall will still be open to other visitors. If you would like to schedule a private visit with masked staff please contact community@thehistorycenter.net. 

**Research visits to the Archives & Research Library must be scheduled separately by emailing archives@thehistorycenter.net**

How long should I plan for?

We suggest planning for at least an hour to explore the Exhibit Hall, but you may stay as long as you like. We encourage everyone to also explore the Community Arts Partnership Gallery, TCHC Community Tower Exhibit (rotates every three months) and Downtown Visitors Center located on the first floor.

Visiting the Exhibit Hall

The History Center is offering in-person visits to our state-of-the-art Exhibit Hall including our Timeline Tunnel, Story Vault, Eight Square Schoolhouse Replica, access to our six exhibit towers, and a close look at our 104 year old Tommy Plane! Private visits with only your group can be reserved in advance, walk-in's can be accommodated most days (W-Sat 10am-5pm).

CURRENT EXHIBIT - 'Knot Sew Fast: Patchwork of Tompkins County' will be on display February 2023-August 2023. Learn about the exhibit at thehistorycenter.net/knot-sew-fast.

Our museum is open and accessible to everyone and we offer a number of accessible options for visitors with specific needs. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/accessibility

If a member of your group has sensory sensitivities or physical/visual/auditory limitations please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about our exhibits and the space. We're happy to offer adjustments and options to ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.

Request an Exhibit Hall Scavenger Hunt, coloring pages, or museum activity sheet from the front desk when you check in for added fun for all ages!

Our suggested admission price is $10 per adult, $4 per child. Your contribution is important for our continued ability to provide a public educational space within the community. No one will be prevented from visiting due to an inability to pay. Donations can be made during booking or in person.

All visitors are encouraged to wear masks inside Tompkins Center for History & Culture. Our visitors include young audiences and others who are unable to be vaccinated. We appreciate your respect and awareness in supporting our Health & Safety Protocols to keep museum visits worry-free and accessible for everyone.

Museum staff sanitize all touched surfaces in the museum daily. Review our full safety procedures at thehistorycenter.net/health

*We try to accommodate visiting groups outside our normal operating hours when possible. Please contact community@thehistorycenter.net if you'd like to visit the museum or schedule a group field trip outside our normal operating hours.*

Health & Safety

The History Center is a mask friendly space. Staff and visitors can wear masks if they desire, but it is no longer required.

If you are concerned or are particularly vulnerable to the virus, please email us and we are happy to schedule private visit for you to explore the museum in a worry free way. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority!

History Center staff sanitize all touched surfaces within the Exhibit Hall daily.

Please do not schedule a visit if you or any member of your group are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test due to symptoms or potential exposure, or were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our museum is located in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogohó:nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgement.