top of page

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Team
IMG_0091.jpeg

ZACHARY LIFTON

Executive Director

he/him

Zachary is a culture and heritage aficionado with a passion for education, preservation and the arts. He joins Historic Ithaca with a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the future and the many powerful ways people engage with their own pasts. Zach is an Ithaca native, returning to his homeland after 15+ years of leadership in the cultural sector in New York City, Portland, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee.

 

Zach was the driving force behind saving Milwaukee's last-standing traditional book bindery in 2017, transforming it into a historic book arts center he then owned and operated for eight years (The Bindery). He led the adaptive reuse of the suffering building, restored dozens of pieces of century-old equipment, taught hundreds of classes to all ages, and worked adamantly with area partners to creatively engage the public with the history of the craft and neighborhood.

​ 

Previously, Zach served as the inaugural manager for CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia's community space and programming centered on preservation, culture, and the arts. He holds an MS in Historic Preservation from Columbia University as well as a BA in Arts Management from Bennington College. Zach would love to speak with you about classes, tours, and other engagement activities, as well as ways of offering Historic Ithaca your generous support. Please reach out at any time!

Christine_edited.jpg

CHRISTINE O'MALLEY, PhD

Preservation Services Director

she/her

Christine leads Historic Ithaca’s efforts in education, advocacy, and community engagement and consults with home and property owners, businesses, city and county government officials, and educators. She has worked on local designations of properties and National Register nominations. As part of the CR0WD (Circularity, Reuse, Zero Waste Development) working group, she participates in efforts to promote salvage and sustainability in our community.

Please contact her with your preservation questions or project research needs.

image0_edited.jpg

MONICA BURKE

Work Preserve Trainer

she/her

Monica started her work with Significant Elements as a volunteer but it was quickly decided that she would be an incredible trainer for our Work Preserve Program. In addition to her experience working in building maintenance and construction, she brings a vast knowledge of antique hardware, lighting, and welding to the team. As a trainer in the Work Preserve program she teaches participants a variety of tool skills while working on projects like lighting restoration that directly connect them to the ethos of preservation.
 

Interim Retail Manager

he/him

Emory Brand.jpg

EMORY BRAND

Emory Brand joined the Significant Elements team in 2022. With a history of customer service and woodworking skills, as well as a passion for working with antiques, this position is a wonderful fit to help our Significant Elements customers find the perfect piece for their home. For Emory, the best part of the day is spent refurbishing old treasures. 

Rain Beebe_edited.jpg

RAIN BEEBE

Retail Associate

he/him

New Roots graduate Rain is helping Significant Elements shoppers before becoming a student at University of Rochester. He started out in the Work Preserve program here at Historic Ithaca in 2022. Loving the atmosphere and learning opportunities, he reapplied to become a part of the Significant Elements team.

White Brick Wall_edited.jpg

BOARD OF
DIRECTORS

Abby Peterson, President

Nancy Brcak, Vice President

Caren Rubin, Treasurer

​Cindy Freidmutter, Secretary

Noah Demarest

Kristen V. Olson

Chris Sponn
Jeff Marianni

ADVISORY
COUNCIL

Margaret Hobbie

Dan Hoffman

Neha Khanna

Jenni Minner

Martha Preston

Dennis Stein

Tania Werbizky

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