Andrew Dickson White House, Ithaca

The Andrew Dickson White House, commonly known as the A.D. White House, is a distinguished High Victorian Gothic structure on the campus of Cornell University. Designed by William Henry Miller and Charles Babcock, the house was commissioned in 1871 by Andrew Dickson White, Cornell's co-founder and first president. Richly adorned with stone carvings reflecting White's tastes, the house was intended to inspire students with its beauty and to serve as a reminder of human achievements.

Originally built for White's personal use, he donated it to the university for the perpetual use of its presidents. While presidents no longer reside there, the study on the southeast side of the building remains a private retreat for Cornell's leadership. In 1973, the house earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, following efforts to preserve it from demolition.

The A.D. White House now serves as the headquarters for the Cornell University Society for the Humanities. Its restored first-floor rooms provide an inviting space for academic and social gatherings, including lectures, seminars, and receptions. The house also hosts the internationally renowned School of Criticism and Theory during the summer months. The two front rooms function as classrooms during the academic year, while the upper floors have been repurposed into studies and offices for Society Fellows, the Society Director, and administrative staff. Additionally, the house’s library, now named the Guerlac Room in honor of Henry Guerlac, is a nod to his pivotal role in preserving the building.

Situated on a hilltop within Cornell's campus, the A.D. White House is surrounded by lush gardens, enhancing its role as a venue for weddings and events. Recent renovations have improved accessibility, including an all-gender restroom and a sloped walkway designed to blend with the building's historic character. The mansion's enduring legacy is not only in its architecture but also in its contribution to academic and cultural life at Cornell, a fitting tribute to Andrew Dickson White’s vision of combining beauty, scholarship, and inclusivity.