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THALER/HOWELL ARCHIVES
RESEARCH COLLECTIONS Whether for genealogical research, or to learn about your house, or any other aspect of local history, you will probably find something, in the Cornell Local Research Library and Thaler/Howell Archives. We have over 2,000 family genealogy files, over 100 oral history interviews, 250 bound ledgers, 440 scrapbooks, 1,200 maps, more than 3,000 local history books, extensive manuscript collections, newspapers dating back to 1819, and dozens of regional photographic collections from as early as 1865. Contact our archivist at archives@thehistorycenter.net with any questions about our holdings. Or schedule an appointment in to visit the Research Library. Access to the archival collections is free to all Tompkins County residents, $10/day fee for out of county researchers. |
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What's in an Archive? Watch this 'Archives 101' featuring our archivist Donna Eschenbrenner explaining our process for creating archival collections, and how those collections are then stored and used by researchers. Explore our Archival Finding Aids to see what materials we have on hand that relate to your interests. Email archives@thehistorycenter.net with specific questions about our holdings. |
ON-GOING ARCHIVAL COLLECTIONS
It is easy to think of history as static, archival collections as immobile snapshots of time. 2020 has been filled with life-changing, and generation changing events. As the keepers of Tompkins County history we found called to actively request reflections and feedback from our community during these historic times to preserve for future historians and educators.
In March 2020 we began accepting submissions for the COVID-19 Archival Collection; gathering images, written reflections, and items from Tompkins County residents of all ages reflecting on their lives during this global pandemic.
In June of 2020 following a week of nationwide and local protests garnering global support we began a new Black Lives Matter Archival Collection as an addition to our existing Black History collection. Detailing issues, efforts, and actions in Tompkins County related to the global protests against police brutality on black and brown bodies. We recognize the current Black Lives Matter and other solidarity protests emerge out of a long history of organizing, and community action in Tompkins County in response to racial prejudice and police actions.
These collections are ongoing. All submissions for either collection can be sent to archives@thehistorycenter.net or for physical items please contact us to arrange a drop-off time.
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Archives & Library
Genealogy Resources
| Photographic CollectionsOver 100,000 images - reprints available!
Built Environment Resources
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We are always striving to make our collections more accessible, and these days that means we get a lot of questions about digital copies and online databases. We are moving towards digitization for some collections, such as our HistoryForge database of Ithaca census records from the 19th and 20th centuries; but digitizing any collection takes a lot of time and associated cost to ensure the collection is easily searchable. The Smithsonian Archives released an excellent interview with two of their expert archivists detailing some of the difficulties with digitization that you can read here. We have partnered with other local organizations, including the Tompkins County Public Library and the South Central Regional Library Council's New York Heritage to host some of our materials on their platforms:We are eager to explore more opportunities to further these important initiatives to make our collections as accessible online as possible. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you'd like more information about one of our collections but aren't able to visit our Research Library. |
Please explore the local Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's profile of our handicap accessibility here.
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This profile includes detailed information regarding the physical layout of the Exhibit Hall and Research Library, and 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, and when possible they may 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.
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© Copyright 2021 The History Center in Tompkins County