The History Center in Tompkins County - Religion & Belief in Tompkins County

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Religion & Belief in Tompkins County

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RELIGION & BELIEF IN TOMPKINS COUNTY

Oral History Collection

The History Center in Tompkins County’s Oral History Program collects, preserves, and amplifies the stories of our local community.

The Religion & Belief in Tompkins County Oral History Collection was established in 2021 to highlight interviews and stories in our archives that explore the themes of religious belief and practice. This collection includes interviews with subjects from multiple faiths and religious practices. The topics of these interviews explore a wide range of experiences, community, and culture, and the stories shared may have been guided by the specific project the interview was recorded for. This collection will continue to expand as our Oral History archives continue to grow.

Image of St. James AME Zion Church from The History Center Photograph Collections.

Visit our Exhibit Hall to hear oral history clips in our Story Vault exhibit!

RELGION & BELIEF IN TOMPKINS COUNTY FINDING AID

FEATURED ORAL HISTORIES

Rabbi Scott Glass - 2019

Rabbi Scott Glass, former rabbi of Temple Beth El, discusses his upbringing and education, experience with his congregation throughout his rabbinate, and relationship with other religious leaders in the community, particularly their acts of solidarity around instances of antisemitism. Rabbi Glass also speaks on his experience converting members of the Abayudaya, a Jewish community in Uganda, and his relationship to Israel and anti-Israel discourse in the community.

Sachem Sam George - 2018 - Living & Working in a Diverse World - Cornell Anthro 1900

Sachem Sam George discusses growing up on Seneca territory, becoming aware of his connection to the Cayuga people, and the process of taking on a role of leadership within the Cayuga community. He reflects on the struggles that the Cayuga people have recently faced, his experience learning the Cayuga language, and his hopes for cooperation between the Cayuga Nation and others in the area.

Per request of the interviewee, this oral history is only available for listening in person at our Research Library.

Generous support for starting this collection came from the two year grant "Building Capacity, Creating Sustainability, Growing Accessibility" coordinated by the Museum Association of New York and funded through the Institute of Museum & Library Services from 2020-2022.