Historic Ithaca

Since 1966, Historic Ithaca has devoted its efforts to historic preservation, advocacy, and education in Tompkins County. The organization educates, excites, and engages the community in valuing the built environment so that it may serve generations into the future.

With support from the community and dedicated volunteers, the organization saved such iconic Ithaca buildings as the Clinton House, the State Theatre, and the Boardman House from the wrecking ball. Its sustainability mission continues today with Significant Elements, Historic Ithaca’s architectural salvage store.

Since 1991, Significant Elements has rescued tons of valuable house parts and vintage treasures from the landfill, providing the materials and inspiration for creative reuse in our community and beyond. Young adults in the Work Preserve program build transferable job skills by working in all aspects of store operations, including furniture repair and traditional seat weaving.

Historic Ithaca offers a variety of Preservation Services, including consultations about historic properties and assistance with cultural resource surveys, historic designations, and house histories. Architectural tours and the annual Preservation Awards showcase preservation successes.

Its affiliate organization, Friends of the Ithaca City Cemetery, works to clean and preserve the gravestones in Ithaca’s historic municipal cemetery. When it comes to the built environment, Historic Ithaca is Tompkins County’s preservation and sustainability champion.