Ulysses Historical Society

Town of Ulysses, Tompkins County, New York
Established 1794

Welcome.

Please visit us at 39 South Street in Trumansburg. Admission is always free.

  • April through November
    2-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays

  • Year-Round
    9-11 a.m. on Mondays (holidays may affect these hours)
    Ulysses Historical Society members meet each Monday and everyone is welcome to stop by to tour the museum, bring in items to donate, do research, or receive help with genealogy.

Town of Ulysses, New York

Established 1794

History can be found around every corner in the town of Ulysses, N.Y. It stretches back to the days of the Todarighroones Indians. Post-Revolutionary War settlers followed who cleared this wilderness. Later came entrepreneurs of water-powered industry and horse-powered farming.

The quaint village of Trumansburg forms the centerpiece of the town, which includes several hamlets, such as Halseyville, Podunk, Jacksonville and Waterburg. Most thoroughfares in the town pass homes and barns built 150 or more years ago, as well as old churches and cemeteries. The tree-filled landscape includes the shores of Cayuga Lake, spectacular waterfalls and flowing streams. Silver Dan, “The Horse in the Window,” leads the way in celebrating the town’s heritage. Now greeting visitors to the Ulysses Historical Society (UHS) museum, Silver Dan originally modeled harnesses for sale in a local store.

Since 1975

Dedicated to Adrian O. Pearsall, the UHS Museum opened on South Street in Trumansburg in 1998. Mr. Pearsall’s sons donated the funds for construction, and the Trumansburg School District provided the land. The society was established in 1975.

Tales of Old Trumansburg

The Ulysses Historical Society is pleased to offer for sale the newest and last book by beloved local author and UHS member, the late Joe Baldwin.

Tales of Old Trumansburg is a compilation of his popular newsletters, completed before his death in October 2017. It was his final labor of love for the village where he spent his whole life and to which he contributed so much. His stories bring to life the people and events that were instrumental in creating our beloved village. It includes over 120 historic photographs.

Tales of Old Trumansburg is on sale at the Ulysses Historical Society. The cost is $21 payable by cash or check only. Checks should be written to The Ulysses Historical Society. We will also mail books to you or others for a small extra fee of four dollars per book bringing the cost of books being mailed to $26. If you would like to buy or order a book you can stop by the Ulysses Historical Society during open hours.

  • leave a message on our phone at 607-387-6666

  • email us at UHS@ottcmail.com

  • Write us sending a check and mailing instructions to:
    Ulysses Historical Society
    39 South St. Box 455
    Trumansburg, NY 14886