The Battle Over IBM’s Priceless Historical Collection in Endicott: What Happens Next?

2023-11-08 20:43:56

It now appears IBM won’t be taking back a priceless collection of historical items tied to the company’s early days in the village of Endicott.

Endicott History & Heritage Center president Ted Warner reportedly wants IBM to remove the machines and other artifacts that have been housed for the past decade at a museum on Washington Avenue. Warner has not returned calls seeking information on the reason for the move.

Ted Warner, who runs a museum on Washington Avenue, is an Endicott village trustee. Photo: Village of Endicott

Ted Warner, who runs a museum on Washington Avenue, is an Endicott village trustee. Photo: Village of Endicott

Some members of the museum board of questioned the validity of a vote to get rid of the “IBM Collection.” They assert most of those affiliated with the history center want the materials to remain in Endicott, often referred to as “The Birthplace of IBM.”

The entire first floor of the Endicott museum is devoted to the history of IBM. Word that the collection would be shipped away was met by shock and anger from many area residents.

IBM-related items in the window of an Endicott museum on November 8, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

IBM-related items in the window of an Endicott museum on November 8, 2023. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Endicott Mayor Linda Jackson told WNBF News she has received assurances that IBM does not intend to take the collection out of the village.

Jackson said the IBM items will be catalogued and then taken to the Endicott municipal building. The collection is to be stored there until a permanent home can be found for it.

A sign advises visitors that the Endicott History & Heritage Center is closed. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A sign advises visitors that the Endicott History & Heritage Center is closed. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

People familiar with the situation believe there are plans to sell the Washington Avenue building where the heritage center is located.

The property was acquired by the Old Village of Union Historical Society for $379,000 in 2012.

Mary O’Malley-Trumble, IBM Endicott senior location executive, last spring said the company museum on Washington Avenue would “continue to anchor IBM’s presence in the community.” IBM recently ended its physical presence in the village, although the company still employs people in the Binghamton area.

A sign at a Huron Campus building in Endicott which recently was vacated by IBM. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A sign at a Huron Campus building in Endicott which recently was vacated by IBM. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: [email protected]. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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