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Resources for Visitors on the Autism Spectrum

The History Center is striving to improve the accessibility of our collections, programs, and learning materials. We welcome visitors and researchers on the autism spectrum. The following resources will help you plan for an enjoyable visit.

Details on the physical accessibility of our Exhibit Hall 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 over a dozen other local non-profits. The materials below specifically address The History Center Exhibit Hall space and policies, and not other spaces in the building.

Getting Here

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. 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. 

Many Exhibit Hall displays have audio components, and there is a continuous audio loop playing in the museum as part of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ Creation Story display. If you would like the sound turned off during your visit please contact us ahead of time at community@thehistorycenter.net or call 607-273-8284 ext. 229 and we can make those adjustments before you arrive. We can also provide a list and map of the current displays that have audio or video components in advance.

• Social Narrative Pre-Visit Guide for Visitors on the Autism Spectrum (PDF)
• My History Center Visual Checklist for Visitors on the Autism Spectrum (PDF)
  
• Tips for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum 
• Tips for Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum 

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.

**Please note, our exhibits change on an annual basis. This virtual tour gives a sense of the layout of each room and floor, but there will likely be different displays in the exhibit cases and on the walls when you visit us in person. 

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Tips for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum

We welcome you to visit with your family. The History Center is a single floor local history museum on the Ithaca Commons. Preparing for your visit a few days beforehand can make for a more manageable and enjoyable experience. The following tips will help in your planning. 

• Social Narrative: Download, print, and read the social narrative (PDF) about visiting The History Center Exhibit Hall with your child. This will help prepare your child for the visit and will cover important things to remember, such as museum rules. 
• Admission: Admission is free for all visitors to The History Center Exhibit Hall although we do accept donations. 
• Visiting Times/Crowd Sizes: We accept walk-ins and scheduled visitors which means crowd size in the building can vary and be hard to predict. If you would like to reserve time for a private visit with no other visitors, that can be arranged free of charge if you contact us in advance (email community@thehistorycenter.net) with your preferred date and time during our regular hours. 
• Temperature Variations: Temperatures can fluctuate in different areas of the building. We recommend wearing a layer that can be kept on or removed to ensure your comfort during your visit. 

We'd love to hear about your visit to the Exhibit Hall and how you used these resources. Contact us at 607-273-8284 ext 229 or community@thehistorycenter.net to share your experience. 

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Tips for Teens and Adults on the Autism Spectrum

We look forward to welcoming you to The History Center Exhibit Hall. The History Center is a single floor local history museum on the Ithaca Commons. Preparing for your visit a few days beforehand can make for a more manageable and enjoyable experience. The following tips will help in your planning. 

• Social Narrative: Download, print, and read the social narrative (PDF) about visiting The History Center Exhibit Hall. This will help prepare you for the visit and will cover important things to remember, such as museum rules. 
• Admission: Admission is free for all visitors to The History Center Exhibit Hall although we do accept donations. 
• Visiting Times/Crowd Sizes: We accept walk-ins and scheduled visitors which means crowd size in the building can vary and be hard to predict. If you would like to reserve time for a private visit with no other visitors, that can be arranged free of charge if you contact us in advance (email community@thehistorycenter.net) with your preferred date and time during our regular hours. 
• Temperature Variations: Temperatures can fluctuate in different areas of the building. We recommend wearing a layer that can be kept on or removed to ensure your comfort during your visit. 

We'd love to hear about your visit to the Exhibit Hall and how you used these resources. Contact us at 607-273-8284 ext 229 or community@thehistorycenter.net to share your experience.