The Corner
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| Heritage Ambassadors Training in progress, June 21, 2017. Photo - Courtesy of IthacaHeritage.com |
Tompkins County Heritage Ambassadors
The inaugural heritage ambassadors training program concluded on July 26. The History Center and Historic Ithaca were inspired by the interest of those that took the six week class in learning more about Ithaca and Tompkins County's heritage. They are ready to engage the public. They are not expected to answer detailed questions about our history but they will be friendly faces ready to encourage a mindset of connecting with local history as a way of knowing and understanding. I think it safe to say that the ambassadors had fun and will each, in their own way, continue to delve into aspects of our unique history. Congratulations ambassadors!
Executive Director of The History Center in Tompkins County
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Tribute to Everett Frank Morse
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Everett Morse at his desk in the John Marcham Research Library at The History Center. Photo Credit ©RPhilipson
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The History Center would like to honor long-time volunteer Everett Frank Morse, who died on July 17, 2017, shortly after his 100th birthday. Everett's work on collections, research, and patron service was so valuable to us for over twenty years. He was always gentle, kindly, and thoughtful and he helped make the research library a warm and welcoming place for all.
Everett was descended from the family who founded Morse Chain, a local company that developed an international reach. From a modest beginning in the late 19th century developing a better bicycle chain Everett Fleet Morse and Frank Lincoln Morse built a major conglomerate that was involved with products as diverse as typewriters, World War I airplanes, and clocks, as well as the friction-proof chains that drove machinery and automobiles.
Everett was the grandson of Everett Fleet Morse and he was justly proud of his family heritage. That feeling informed his love for local history and his work in The History Center's research library. His long full life was dedicated to his family and his community and we were the fortunate beneficiaries of his effort and skill. He was an inspiration to us all and he will be sorely missed. Our sympathy and warmest feelings go out to his wife June Morse, a former Eightsquare School House teacher, and to his daughter Ann, son Jonathan, and to all of his family.
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Bookstore & Gift Shop Highlights
*Items to be purchased in The History Center book store
In conjunction with the Celebrating Rural Heritage Series at The History Center, we offer 50% OFF from this selected title:
"Farmboy: Hard work and good times on a farm that helped change Northeast agriculture"
by John B. babcock
John Babcock was not just any teenager on any farm in the 1930s. So when he sets out to tell his children and grandchildren what life was like working on a family farm in Upstate New York, he winds up telling three distinct and engaging stories: what it means to be a farmboy in lean times, the evolution of northeast farming, and the role of his father, H.E. Babcock, as a farm leader.
Mention our newsletter and get 15% off from this new title!
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"Jacob's Land: Revolutionary War Soldier, Schemers, Scoundrels, and the Settling of New York's Frontier"
by Charles Yaple
Jacob's Land, ...years in the making, is a carefully researched and factual account about life on New York's frontier before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War. Following the experiences of a German immigrant family, an Indian Leader (Joseph Brant), and George Washington's Surveyor General (Simeon DeWitt) it brings the hardships, dangers, ironies, and politics of the revolution up close and personal for the reader. Striking parallels with today's terrorist attacks, people (Indians and whites alike) on New York's frontier could never be certain when neighbors were plotting to raid, murder and burn. However, there is considerably more to the story than war episodes. It is about conquest and division of Iroquois Nation lands and creation of places like Ithaca that provided the agricultural and forest resources enabling New York to become the "Empire" State and the USA, a nation where common people enjoy lifestyles unheard of in the annals of history. Finally,
Jacob's Land, ...is about our dwindling connection to the land and how that undermines the pursuit of happiness.
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Archaeology Field School Highlights
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Archaeology Field School, August 2016.
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This August marks the fourth year of The History Center's Archaeology Program for Teens and Adults.
Since the program began in 2014 we have found numerous domestic 19th century artifacts such as
buttons, buckles, and pottery fragments. Among one of our recent more interesting finds was a piece of
black basalt which is a jet black piece of ceramic that was probably from a tea cup. Black basalt ceramics were most commonly used in the 19th century during times of mourning. We generally think of schools as a place occupied by children of the community who are learning and sometimes enjoying recess. But the black basalt is a poignant reminder of the stages of life children and their adult teachers faced, and still face.
Brant Venables is a native of Ithaca and is completing his final year as a doctoral candidate in historical archaeology in Binghamton University's anthropology department.
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Catt, Tubman and Hay. Drawing. Photo - Courtesy of Christine Nobles Heller.
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New York State Suffragists: Drawings and Lithographs Celebrating the
2017 Centennial of Women's Right to Vote in NY State
September 23rd - November 4th
Ithaca native Christine Nobles Heller draws suffragists to honor those who fought so hard for women's rights. In addition, she responds to this time of renewed threats to the fundamental human rights of women. The suffragists achieved the vote for women after 70 years of determination, courage, and perseverance. In her drawings for this show, Heller pays homage to the efforts of NY State suffragists to mark the 2017 centennial of Women's Right to Vote in New York State. On Tuesday, September 19th, the artist Christine Nobles Heller invites the public to come to The History Center and witness Christine draw a mural, the center piece of the exhibition.
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Tioga Street in 1920s and modern times. Photo montage from the Collection of The History Center. |
Main Gallery Exhibit
The Altered and Preserved Landscape
On display from May 5th through September 9th, 2017
This exhibit by students from Tompkins Cortland Community College examines the local landscape and is part of the larger celebration of the 200 year anniversary of Tompkins County. The artworks explore the visual and functional conditions of Tompkins County over time by drawing on primary source materials from The History Center.
Faculty:
Harry Littell,
Keith Millman,
Christine Shanks,
Mark Grimm,
Cynthia Kjellander-Cantu.
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Sons of Italy Crowning of Queen (popularity/beauty contest, 1928). Photo from the Collection of The History Center.
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Our Community
Italian-American Community Display
The History Center presents images and archival materials related to the Italian-American community in Tompkins County.
Italian immigrants have been settling in Tompkins County for over 100 years and have added immensely to the economic, civic, and cultural life of our area. Often from modest origins, Italian families frequently faced economic hardship and the prejudices of their new neighbors and co-workers as they became part of the life of the community. Through their experiences, good and bad, they retained a love of family, work, friends.
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Woodard School - District 7 - Last Day Picnic. Photo - Courtesy of the Town of Enfield Historian, Sue Thompson. |
Exploring Tompkins County: A Municipality Display Case
The Town of Enfield: Schools as a Center of Our Community
Through October, 2017
Exploring Tompkins County display is a collaboration between The History Center in Tompkins County and Tompkins County's municipal historians. This new exhibit shows how Enfield schools have been continuously bringing the community together. We thank Sue Thompson, Town of Enfield Historian, for
providing her knowledge and time to convey this unique exhibit.
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HistoryForge Data Entry Bee Party
Saturdays, August 19th, September 2nd, 16th & 30th, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (at The History Center)
Come volunteer at our next transcription bee! Light refreshments will be served with lots of fun and an educational opportunity that will make Ithaca history come alive. Be sure to bring your laptop. Sign up to volunteer here:
https://thehistorycenter.net/volunteer-historyforge
Save the Date: Come Dig with Us! Archaeology Day Camp
Saturdays, August 19 & 26, 2017, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (at the Eight Square Schoolhouse)
The History Center in Tompkins County is offering a field school to the public at the historic Eight Square Schoolhouse, a one-room school built in 1827 and used by generations of students and teachers. Participants will
learn archaeological field techniques
and research skills by working side-by-side with several professional archaeologists; contribute to the historical record of the Eight Square School. Sign up for a day camp by emailing Carole West at [email protected]. Learn more about the camp
here.
Bicentennial Walks & Talks Series with Historic Ithaca
Saturday, August 19th, 11:00 AM, Trumansburg Conservation of Fine Arts
For more information about this free summer walking tour series of historic sites in Tompkins County, visit Historic Ithaca's website.
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Charles Yaple. Photo - Courtesy of Ithaca Times.
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Jacob's Land:
Book Talk & Performance by the author Charles Yaple
Saturday, August 19th, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (at The History Center)
Join The History Center for a performance and discussion of the book "Jacob's Land: Revolutionary War Soldiers, Schemers, Scoundrels and the Settling of New York's Frontier" by the author Charles Yaple.
9th Annual Verne Morton Memorial Photo Show & Contest
Friday, August 25th, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Opening Gala (at Groton Town Hall)
Saturday, August 26th, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Show and Public Vote (at Groton Town Hall)
No matter where you are from, young or old, amateur or pro, you are invited to take part in the Verne Morton Memorial Photography Show & Contest. For more information and an entry form
click here.
This year The History Center is sponsoring the
Rural Heritage Award.
As part of the "Celebrating Rural Heritage" series, The History Center in Tompkins County is seeking photographs that highlight our rural heritage from multiple perspectives and draw from the built environment, landscapes, rural life and cultural events. All selected photographs will be added to photo collection of The History Center and some of them will be incorporated in our late fall presentation that will highlight Tompkins County's rural heritage assets. The winner of the
Rural Heritage Award
will be voted on by the general public on Saturday, August 26th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and will receive a special prize from The History Center.
Look for The History Center's table at the Verne Morton Photo Contest at Groton Town Hall, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 26th.
7th Annual Silent Movie Under the Stars
August 26th, ~ 8:15 PM (at Taughannock Falls State Park)
Join Wharton Studio Museum for a lakeside, big-screen showing of Wharton, Inc. Studio's
The Great White Trail, filmed 100 years ago this year at Upper Treman in Robert H. Treman State Park!
Live music and original score will be performed by Door #3 featuring Chris White, Peter Dodge, and Tenzin Chopak.
Bring a picnic, lawn chair and blanket and enjoy lovely Taughannock Falls State Park and a view of Cayuga Lake as the sun sets before the movie begins at sundown, around 8:15pm.
Silent Movie Under the Stars is produced each year in collaboration with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation.
Ithaca City Cemetery Clean-up with Historic Ithaca
Sunday, August 27th, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (at Ithaca City Cemetery)
Join Historic Ithaca and Historic Preservation Planning students from Cornell University for the next Ithaca City Cemetery clean-up event! There will be plenty of projects and skilled volunteers to train for everything from headstone cleaning to stone replacement.
Meeting at the University Ave. entrance at 10am.
Discussion "What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Formal Fibershed?"
Thursday, August 31st, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (at The History Center)
Reinhabitory Institute is a bioregional organization with a foot in both the San-Francisco Bay area and the Twin Tiers/Finger Lakes. Part of the original Fibershed, they continue to participate as Skein, which chronicles their fiber and dye work.
With input from the original Fibershed in Marin County, the Reinhabitory Institute is inviting all fiber and dye people to attend an informal meeting and discuss the benefits of creating a formal Fibershed. The meeting will start with an informal arrival, beverage and snacks and proceed to the discussion. RSVP (nice but not necessary) with Destiny Kinal, Co-founder of Reinhabitory Institute, [email protected], 510-701-8909. For more information, visit www.sustainable-skein.org.
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| Photo from www.abstracttools.com/smc |
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First Friday Gallery Night: "Six Mile Creek" Presentation by Kim Haines-Eitzen, Susan C. Larkin, and Timothy Larkin
Friday, September 1st, 6:00 PM (at The History Center)
In conjunction with First Friday Gallery Night and the current exhibit "The Altered and Preserved Landscape," The History Center will be featuring a 6:00 PM talk on the historical perspective of sights and sound of Six Mile Creek. The talk will be presented by Kim Haines-Eitzen, Susan C. Larkin, and Timothy Larkin, the creators of the "Six Mile Creek" interactive display.
Long serving as the water supply to the City of Ithaca, Six Mile Creek is a vital resource for Tompkins County residents. Less widely known is the rich and varied history along the banks of the creek. For over 200 years, the creek has been enjoyed for pleasure and recreation and harnessed for industry and profit. The "Six Mile Creek" interactive display provides an entry to this history through the sights and sounds of the creek in the past and the present.
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Log Driving on the Ausable River. Photo by F.A. Van Sant.
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"Contested Terrain: Nature, Culture, and Policy in the Adirondack Park"
Talk by Philip Terrie
Thursday, September 7th, 6:30 PM (at The History Center)
Join The History Center for a presentation on the history of Adirondack Park.
Adirondack Park is a New York treasure, but its history is often contentious. It contains the homes and businesses of 130,000 year-round residents and the the largest, best protected wilderness in the East. Philip Terrie looks at the cultural, environmental, and political forces that created Adirondack Park, with an emphasis on over a century of hard-fought policy decisions.
Philip Terrie is professor emeritus of American Culture and Environmental Studies at Bowling Green State University. Former researcher for the Adirondack Museum and author of four books and many articles and reviews on Adirondack history and culture, he lives in Ithaca and Long Lake.
''PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS"
An Inter-Generational Creative Writing Workshop with Irene Zahava
Saturday, September 16th, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (at The History Center)
"PRECIOUS POSSESSIONS" is designed to offer a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment for writing and sharing. The workshop is provided by Irene Zahava, the 2017 Tompkins County Poet Laureate.
Bring a Precious Possession from home - a photo or object. Suggestion: Choose something that connects you to previous generations; it might be something that holds personal or historic significance for you or your family.
We'll use the objects we bring as the "spark" for our writing. Then we will share what we have written with one another.
You can register for this event by contacting Zee directly: [email protected], 607-273-4675. Enrollment is limited to 15 people.
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Elizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902). Drawing. Photo - Courtesy of Christine Heller.
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New York State Suffragists:
Mural Drawing in Progress
Tuesday, September 19th, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (at The History Center)
As a part of the upcoming exhibition "New York State Suffragists: Drawings and Lithographs Celebrating the 2017 Centennial of Women's right to Vote in NY State," artist Christine Nobles Heller, formerly of Ithaca, is inviting the public to visit The History Center on Tuesday, September 19th to see her draw a mural, a highlight of the exhibition.
Christine Nobles Heller has created both portraits and large murals that reflect her concern about human suffering and social inequality from her perspective as a feminist and an artist committed to social activism. Her work is a result of personal experiences and societal themes of loss, suffering and vulnerability.
Save the date: Open House at the Eight Square Schoolhouse to Celebrate its 190th Birthday
Saturday, September 23rd, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (1748 Hanshaw Rd, off Route 13, North Dryden, New York)
FREE for All Ages!
Learn about the history of 8-sided buildings from a local expert, try your hand at flintknapping (making stone tools) and flotation (an archaeological activity), and see archaeologists at work
up close and personal! Old fashioned games and activities, refreshments, and more!
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Local History in Media
IthacaHeritage.com - Blog
Cayuga Radio Group - Local History Minutes
The new set of History Center spots are produced and now in rotation throughout the day on WHCU, and from 7pm to midnight on Cayuga Radio Group larger stations like Q Country and Lite Rock.
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From the Collection
Photographs Are Mirrors
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Morton group with Porter Morton's brother, David B. Morton, holding baby, 1906. Photo from the Collection of The History Center.
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The diary of an elderly Ithaca woman entertaining a young neighbor contains this resonant passage: "We stood in the hall; she fascinatid [sic] by the sight of herself in the door mirror. I remember some one else...who stood in front of the same preening herself. I wonder who that might have been."
Mirrors have the power to evoke memories, but how much greater is the power of a photograph. Before the camera, only in mirrors did people see themselves as they truly looked. But mirrors cannot record changes; photos show all life's stages, the changes in physical appearance, behavior, and attitudes. Photos help correct distortions of memory and reveal complexities of relationships.
"Photographs are mirrors with a memory," says psychologist Robert Akeret in his book Family Tales, Family Wisdom: How to Gather the Stories of a Lifetime and Share Them with Your Family. He recommends photographs as "memory triggers" to recall our past and transform it into stories. For Akeret , "Stories are what holds families together."
Often families are overheard remembering events from their own lives as they look through The History Center's rich photograph collection, which spans over 150 years. As another year becomes history, it is time to look back, summing up our personal past. Try using your own photos, and the Center's, to evoke your life's memories.
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A Great United Audio Turn Table and 130 Vinyl Albums
This turn table and some 130 vinyl albums were donated to the History Center in Tompkins County by a generous donor in the hopes of raising needed funds for us. We had the turn table worked on by Stellar Stereo and they replaced some worn parts and lubed the appropriate moving parts. It works great and comes with the RCA audio cables and electric plug. The tilting cover is also included along with a hand held phonograph cleaner. For more photographs and pricing, click here.
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