Carol Kammen Knihy

Set against the backdrop of 1860s Ithaca, the narrative chronicles the revolutionary vision of Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White in founding a pioneering university that embraced egalitarian principles. This institution aimed to provide educational opportunities regardless of race or creed, merging industrial science with humanistic values. Carol Kammen's illustrated account places Cornell's development within its historical context, detailing its enduring commitment to tolerance and creativity, while also acknowledging the challenges faced along the way.

Ithaca's transformation from a rough, isolated settlement to a vibrant community is marked by its tumultuous history. Initially known for its rowdy atmosphere among transient workers, the town oscillated between debauchery and religious reform throughout the nineteenth century. Despite facing significant challenges, including the 1837 Depression and natural disasters, Ithaca emerged as a hub of education, innovation, and culture, showcasing resilience and growth over time.

This is the third edition of a book that has become a classic in the public history field. First published in 1986, revised in 2003, On Doing Local History offers not only discussion of practical matters, but also a deeper reflection on local, public history, what it means, and why it is done. It is used in classrooms and found on the shelves of local historians across the U.S.