Newspapers can provide historical context related to local landmarks. For a list of newspaper sources available through Cornell libraries go to the library database page and click on the category labeled: Newspapers, Magazines and Current Events. Information on specific newspapers to which Cornell students have access can be found in the Today's News section of the Current Topics guide created by Michael Engle.
The Ithaca Journal is one of the local papers that might be useful. Its archives can only be accessed by subscribers, but older copies of the Journal are available at Olin Library -- on microfiche and online (after 1999).
To find information on the exact holdings, go to the Library Catalog and then do a search for Ithaca Journal, choosing Journal Title from the pulldown option for fields.
The Cornell Daily Sun is available, beginning with 1880, though the coverage over the years is not complete. The Ithaca College Ithacan has been digitized starting with 1926.
When looking for historical information, it can be useful to know the names of local newspapers as they have changed over the years. News sources currently available include the Ithaca Journal, Tompkins Weekly and the Ithaca Times.
The following titles covered Ithaca events in the 19th century and early 20th century. Use the library catalog to determine whether Cornell provides access to any of the newspapers. Information is available on the Rare and Manuscript Collections website on how to make a reading room appointment for items that can only be viewed on site.