ACCESSIBILITY
PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY
The History Center is striving to improve the accessibility of our collections, programs, and learning materials. Details on the physical accessibility of our space can be reviewed on the Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's profile of our building and Exhibit Hall. The History Center is now operating out of the Tompkins Center for History & Culture, a heritage tourism space in downtown Ithaca that we share with 12 other local non-profits. Visitors can enter through the front door adjacent to the Bernie Milton Pavilion. Street and garage parking (Seneca Street or Green Street garages recommended) are available on surrounding streets. We have one handicap parking space available at the back of the building. The Seneca Street TCAT bus stop is less than a block away from our main entrance. We have one handicap parking space available at the back of the building. If you are planning a visit and would like to use this space, please contact us in advance so we can open the back entrance doors for you.
We have implemented stringent new Health & Safety Protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the health of our visitors, staff, and volunteers. If you have any questions about the safety or sanitation measures in place, please reach out to us via email or phone (607-273-8284).
RESTROOM ACCESS
Handicap accessible restrooms are available on the first and second floor (second floor can be reached via stairs or elevator). Gender neutral private bathrooms are available on the second floor. We have a private room for nursing mothers available on the third floor (accessible via stairs or elevator). Due to COVID-19, restroom use is limited to visitors in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture and not open to the public.
LEARNING ACCESSIBILITY
We are in the process of adding closed captions for all our learning videos and programs on our YouTube channel, written text and audio guides for museum exhibits, transcripts for all oral histories available on New York Digital Heritage, alt-text for all images on our website, and creating engaging alternative learning methods for all the programs we offer through the museum.
If there are specific projects or programs you are interested in, please contact us at community@thehistorycenter.net and we will prioritize making those materials available to you in an accessible way. (Updated as of January 12th 2021). If you would like to volunteer with us on one of these projects please reach out!
![]() This profile includes detailed information regarding the physical layout of the Exhibit Hall and Research Library, as well as alternate methods for engaging with our exhibits and materials for individuals with impaired sight or hearing. Print-out visitor guides and auditory visitor guides can be requested at the docent desk to the right of the front entrance to the Exhibit Hall. We do not have a parking lot associated with our building; however, visitors with physical and/or movement impairment are encouraged to contact us at community@thehistorycenter.net in advance to use one of two staff parking spaces by the back entrance of our building. These spaces may not be used without advance communication. Email community@thehistorycenter.net with any questions or feedback. |
HOURS Thursday - Saturday 10AM-5PM
Closed Sunday - Wednesday or by special appointment. Cornell Local History Research Library & Thaler/Howell Archives Visit our Events calendar to learn about upcoming events and programs. |
Driving & ParkingFind driving directions to The History Center from nearby cities, local highways, and area colleges here. Parking is available in the Seneca Street Garage. Additional metered street parking is available around the Commons, paid Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and free all other hours and weekends. Payments can be made at the meter or the kiosks or on the ParkMobile App. | Public TransportAll major TCAT bus routes go to Seneca Street. Cross Seneca Street and head down the large alley past the Bernie Milton Pavilion leading to the Ithaca Commons. The History Center is on the right side of the alley, just after the M&T Bank. Bike racks are available nearby on the Commons. Bikes can be rented locally through Ithaca Bike Rental. |