On Wednesday, April 29, The History Center is proud to present the work of Ithaca College environmental history students.  With the recent disruptive environmental events in our country and around the world, the projects the students have been working on can provide insight into human-environment interactions over time in this place we call Tompkins County. Focusing on the history of Tompkins County residents’ relationship with water, the presentations offer an environmental history angle to the theme of this year’s exhibit on water in the gallery.

Michael Smith, Professor of History and Environmental Science at Ithaca College, developed a course in environmental history requiring students to use local historical resources to study an event in the greater Ithaca area.  In doing so, it is his hope that students will develop a sense of “ecological citizenship” and an understanding that they are a part of the community they are studying.

Through a partnership with The History Center, students are recognizing the reciprocal impact of human behavior and ecological changes from events such as the major floods that have affected Tompkins County, the ways that our creeks and lake have changed from industrial to recreational uses, and the debate over hydrofracking.

Each of the groups will present a synopsis of their findings on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 7-8:30 p.m. at The History Center.  For more information please contact community@thehistorycenter.net