The History Center in Tompkins County

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HEALTH & SAFETY

COVID-19 Policy Updates

An image that reads "MASK FRIENDLY We encourage visitors to wear a mask when close to others inside our space* *Private fully-masked visits are available by advance request at no cost." The image also has a masked Ithaca Kitty that says "Thank you for supporting worry free visits for everyone!"

The History Center in Tompkins County is a MASK FRIENDLY SPACE. This means that we encourage all visitors to wear what feels most comfortable to them.

Our visitors include families with young children, and visitors who may be medically ineligible for the vaccine, we will continue to encourage masks inside the building for the continued safety of all our visitors, volunteers, and staff. We will not be checking the vaccination status of visitors and appreciate the continued support of our community and out of town visitors in monitoring their personal health before visiting the museum.

Private visits with masked and vaccinated staff are still available at no cost (although donations are appreciated) for any visitors concerned about covid-19 exposure. Private visits must be scheduled in advance. Once your group is checked in, Exhibit Hall doors will be shut and the space will be solely for your group to explore for one hour.

We will continue to monitor both state guidance and recommendations from the Tompkins County Health Department and will evaluate and update policies as needed.

Any questions may be directed to Ben Sandberg at director@thehistorycenter.net.

Updated June 9th 2022

An image with the header "The History Center in Tompkins County" and features a masked Ithaca Kitty saying "Don't forget to clean your paws!" The caption reads "Learn all about the world famous Ithaca Kitty in the Exhibit Hall!"

The Exhibit Hall is now permitting up to 60 visitors at a time. If you are concerned or are particularly vulnerable to the virus, please email us and we are happy to schedule private visit for you to explore the museum in a worry free way. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority!

History Center staff sanitize all touched surfaces within the Exhibit Hall daily.

You can book up to 40 people per visit to the Exhibit Hall. All visitors are encouraged to wear masks covering their nose and mouth within the Tompkins Center for History & Culture building. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to all visitors entering the building if they do not bring their own. Group visits can be scheduled on our Field Trip page.

Visits are still free! You can make as many visits in a week as you would like to give yourself plenty of time to explore all our exhibits. Our suggested admission price is $10 per adult, $4 per child. Your contribution is important for our continued ability to provide a safe public space within the community. No one will be prevented from visiting due to an inability to pay. Donations can be made in person at the time of your visit, during online booking, or online through our Donation page.

No food or drink is permitted in the Exhibit Hall by visitors, we request any food or beverage items to be kept inside bags or at the front desk for the duration of your visit.

Please do not schedule a visit if you or any member of your group are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test due to symptoms or potential exposure, or were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

Visits to the Research Library must be scheduled in advance. Access to the archival collections is free to all Tompkins County residents, $10/day fee for out of county researchers. Beginning on September 10, 2021 all users of The History Center's Research Library will need to show proof of vaccination to be allowed into the space. Proof of vaccination may include a CDC issued card or a New York State Excelsior Pass.

Please explore the local Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's profile of our handicap accessibility here.

An image of a wheelchair with a red heart that reads "Inclusive Recreation Resource Center"

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.

TCHC PARTNERS ON THE FIRST FLOOR

Please be aware that health & safety protocols on the first floor are determined by each individual organization for their space. Visit our building partners websites for up to date information about their covid-19 practices.