At
a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, November 28,
The History Center unveiled its newest project showcasing
remarkable historical photographs from its Photo Archives.
The Gateway to History Windows Project was conceived
to help promote The History Center's presence as a
unique cultural destination in Tompkins County, and
one of the Discovery Trail's premiere members. With
design assistance from Cornell University's Office
of Publications and Marketing, the Gateway Windows
will draw greater attention to The History Center's
location at Ithaca's eastern gateway to downtown. Larger-than-life
graphics now adorn each of the windows of The History
Center, and serve to "turn our collections inside-out
to share them with the entire community," according
to Matthew Braun, Executive Director. Wrapping around
the first floor of the Gateway Center you will see
life-sized images of the film-making Wharton Brothers,
the distinguished educator Martha Van Rensselaer, Ithaca’s
first African American police officer, Levi Spaulding,
Thomas-Morse factory workers, and many others.
"With over 100,000
images in the collection it was difficult to make our selection," says
Braun. "Our goal has been to share our wonderful collections in ways that
the community can easily appreciate. What better place to start than at our
own front door?
The Gateway to History Windows Project has been made possible thanks to a
generous grant from the Tompkins County Foundation. Additional support has
been provided by Cornell University, M&T Bank, Tompkins County Area Transit,
and CSP Management,
with assistance from HOLT Architects, LLP, and Mack Travis/Gateway Plaza
Associates.
Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson
(center) cutting the celebratory ribbon with Gateway to History Windows
Project partners (l to r) Jerry Dietz of CSP Management, Art Pearce of
Tompkins County Foundation, Carl Gortzig, THC Board of Trustees President,
Mayor Peterson, Mack Travis, Gateway Plaza Associates, Matt Braun, THC
Executive Director, and Judy Dietz, THC Community Liaison. November 28,
2005.
At
a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, November 28,
The History Center unveiled its newest project showcasing
remarkable historical photographs from its Photo Archives.
The Gateway to History Windows Project was conceived
to help promote The History Center's presence as a
unique cultural destination in Tompkins County, and
one of the Discovery Trail's premiere members. With
design assistance from Cornell University's Office
of Publications and Marketing, the Gateway Windows
will draw greater attention to The History Center's
location at Ithaca's eastern gateway to downtown. Larger-than-life
graphics now adorn each of the windows of The History
Center, and serve to "turn our collections inside-out
to share them with the entire community," according
to Matthew Braun, Executive Director. Wrapping around
the first floor of the Gateway Center you will see
life-sized images of the film-making Wharton Brothers,
the distinguished educator Martha Van Rensselaer, Ithaca’s
first African American police officer, Levi Spaulding,
Thomas-Morse factory workers, and many others. 
anagement,
with assistance from HOLT Architects, LLP, and Mack Travis/Gateway Plaza
Associates.