Historic “IBM Collection” Expected to Stay in Endicott

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.