The twelve partner organizations of the Tompkins Center for History and Culture invite the people of Tompkins County, the Finger Lakes, and New York to explore this new heritage tourism center on May 10th at a Community Celebration and Ribbon Cutting.
Located on The Downtown Ithaca Commons at 110 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, NY, the Tompkins Center for History & Culture will officially open to the public after years of planning and collaborative work by many. This grand opening will resurrect life into the former Tompkins Trust Company bank previously occupying the space. This new collaboration will creatively and collectively share the rich history, culture and artistic fabric of the community.
The Dorothy Cotton Jubilee Singers will kick off the program at 5:00pm at the Bernie Milton Pavilion, followed by a ribbon cutting at 5:20pm. Then, speakers representing the region, local, county and statewide government, as well as representatives from the twelve partner organizations will say a few words.
Beginning the presentation will be Tadadaho, the spiritual leader who presides over the Grand Council of the Haudenosaunee. Attendees will then hear from attendees from the NYS Senate and Assembly followed by local government representatives including, Martha Robertson, Chair of the Tompkins County Legislature, Legislator Rich John, County Administrator Jason Malino, City representatives, and regional supporters including Cindy Kimble, President of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. Additional speakers are continuing to be confirmed.
Attendees will enjoy a trio from the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, a performance by an Ithaca College music ensemble in the Community Arts Partnership gallery ArtSpace, the opportunity to see the new home and galleries of The History Center in Tompkins County, view the “Tommy Plane” in its now permanent home, and explore the Downtown Visitor Center in its new location.
Representatives from all twelve partners will be present to meet and greet the public, encouraging visitation throughout all three stories of the building. Partners include: Discover Cayuga Lake, The Discovery Trail, The Tompkins Chamber, Visit Ithaca, The Dorothy Cotton Institute, The Susan M. Christopherson Community Planning Center, The History Center in Tompkins County, Historic Ithaca, Wharton Studio Museum, Community Arts Partnership, Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation, and the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra.
The first 1000 guests will receive a complimentary copy of The Towns of Tompkins County, with author Jane Dieckmann present to sign books and answer questions.
The event is free and open to the public and will run from 5:00-7:30pm and is made possible by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.
