The History Center in Tompkins County promotes local history through stewardship of our collections and by engaging with the community to understand the past, to gain perspective on the present, and to play an informed role in shaping the future. 

The Exhibit Hall

Delight in the craftmanship on display in “Puppet Mastery of the Northeast” or transport yourself to another era through “Trains, Planes, and Automobiles: Buses, Boats, and Bikes.”

The Research Library

Whether you’re a novice genealogist or expert academic, the Research Library is the place to find clues from Tompkins County Past alongside Archivist, Donna Eschenbrenner.

The Archives and Collections

The History Center is home to many historical documents and artifacts, including a standing eight-square schoolhouse and George Washington’s signature. What will you discover?