Tompkins
County Museum

On Exhibit Now

A Campaign of Communication: World War II Homefront Posters

Drawn from The History Center in Tompkins Countys collection of over 100 war related propaganda posters, the new exhibit is designed to examine how the government used poster art to engage average citizens in the war effort on the home front. The images are visually stunning and emotionally charged. They offer a powerful lens through which we can study how the events of national history impacted Americans on the home front, especially the citizens of Tompkins County. These evocative posters provide a glimpse into the world of domestic propaganda and an understanding of its importance in times of war.

Selections from the Student Historians Initiative

In this unique program, area high school students are given detailed training to navigate our archives and properly handle historical documents and objects. Their research leads them to write a journalistic article about an historic artifact to be published in the Ithaca Journal. Objects highlighted in the current Student Historian exhibit are from the World War II era and are the perfect compliment to the poster exhibition.

Our Historic Treasures Unwrapped! -The Big Stuff

What do a plow, a telescope and a fainting couch have in common? Come find out as our big stuff goes on display in the Unwrapped exhibition. Read a feature article about the 'Unwrapped!' project on the Heritage Preservation website. Heritage Preservation is a federal agency working to ensure the preservation of America's collective heritage.

Exhibits Around Town

World War II - Tompkins County on the Home Front

Tompkins County Public Library May 6th through August 15th, 2004 exhibit is a tribute to those people who worked as air raid wardens, Red Cross volunteers, factory workers, victory gardeners, and so much more. Composed of photographs, wartime posters, and archival materials, this exhibit highlights the many different ways Tompkins County residents supported the war effort here at home. Located in the hall towards the Borg-Warner Room.

For more information about these programs email the Education Department or call (607) 273-8284 ext. 3.