top of page

educate • preserve • empower

ADVOCACY

Historic Ithaca engages with the community by speaking out about preservation and the importance of the built environment. We promote the cultural, economic, and environmental benefits of historic preservation, and oppose projects and actions that threaten historic buildings. 

RESOURCES

Relevant knowledge, resources, and frequently asked questions are found here. Refurbishing a historic home? Renovating in Tompkins County? Looking to learn more about preservation in New York State? You're in the right place.

EXPLORATION

Historic Ithaca hosts a variety events, programs, and hands-on workshops throughout the year. Special events include walking and driving tours, lectures, and our annual October Cemetery Tour. Check out the latest here and join us!

Historic Ithaca promotes the value, vitality and sustainability of our built heritage, neighborhoods, and community in Ithaca and Tompkins County through education, advocacy and action. For more than 50 years, we have engaged our community in valuing our buildings, landscapes, and historic sites through tours, lectures, educational programs, workshops and the delivery of preservation services.  Advocacy and action are at the forefront of our efforts to celebrate, sustain and maintain the historic and yet-to-be historic resources for future generations.

ABOUT US

PRESERVATION IS FOR
THE FUTURE.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Historic Ithaca's flagship work-readiness and placement program, Work Preserve, teaches transferable, preservation-focused job skills, confidence, and independence through hands-on experience with experts. Work Preserve offers personalized, small group training in our workshop and retail store, plus a job placement program with the goal of securing employment. Our team helps youth-participants set employment goals, build a resume, practice interviewing, and apply for jobs—all through the lens of preservation.

SALVAGED GOODS

Our architectural salvage store, Significant Elements has been the premier seller of historic building materials, furniture, and fixtures for over 30 years. Located in an 1880s warehouse in Ithaca's Southside, we are Central New York's go-to location for building renovation, restoration, and DIY inspiration. Our 10,000 square feet is home to quality, reclaimed building materials, antique hardware, vintage lighting, and unique decor, Significant Elements puts the power of preservation back in the hands of local contractors and homeowners.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Historic Ithaca is a founding member of CR0WD (Circularity, Reuse, Zero Waste Development). We are a leading voice in New York State for the benefits of sensitive deconstruction practice and reuse of building materials. CR0WD is a collaborative network of planners, architects, preservationists, policymakers, salvage and reuse professionals, real estate specialists, academics, and students from around New York State who advocate for healthier communities through more sustainable treatment of our built environment. 

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"The only place in Ithaca to discuss preservation advocacy with the people who work on this issue every day. Kudos!"

Julee Johnson

Google

Historic Ithaca Logo.png

Thanks for submitting!

FIND US

Historic Ithaca

212 Center Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

607 - 273 - 6633

info@historicithaca.org

Open M-F

9am to 5pm

[Call for an appointment]

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
White IURA-01-01.png
White NYSCA-01.png
White Park Foundation-01.png

The programs of Historic Ithaca are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor & the New York State Legislature. 
Funding for Work Preserve has been provided by the City of Ithaca Community Development Block Grant Program and the Park Foundation.
This website was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation of Tompkins County

bottom of page