History of Technology in Syracuse w/Tour of The Gear Factory
Park in the Geddes Street Plaza parking lot, just south of The Gear Factory and Hardware Store buildings, on the same side of the street.
We ask that you register by clicking the registration link, above.
Program Summary:
Following a presentation on the history of the early innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs of Syracuse, and the amazing products and companies that they made and started, we will tour one of the country’s first industrial incubators, the former Brown-Lipe Gear Company on Geddes Street.
It should be noted that (Alexander T.) Brown attended the October 1903 meeting that discussed the creation of “a professional and social organization among the engineers of Syracuse,” now known as the Technology Alliance of Central NY, and was a founding member of our organization!
Presenters:
- Robert Searing, Curator of History at the Onondaga Historical Association. In addition to his duties at OHA, Bob writes a bi-weekly column for the Post-Standard and Syracuse.com. He hosts the WCNY radio show/podcast, “Repeating History.” In 2024, he was appointed by Mayor Ben Walsh to the Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board. Searing holds a B.A. in history from Binghamton University, and an M.A. and M.Phil. in American History from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. He is an adjunct in the History Department at SUNY-Cortland and Tompkins-Cortland Community College.
- Rick Destito, Owner of The Gear Factory (the former Brown-Lipe Gear Company). Rick is a highly respected entrepreneur, community advocate, and urban revitalization leader based in Syracuse, New York. Rick has been deeply committed to transforming Syracuse’s urban landscape through creative and innovative approaches. In 2005, Rick purchased the historic Gear Factory building, a 65,000 square-foot vacant industrial space on the Westside of Syracuse. He transformed the building into a thriving hub for artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment that has become central to the city’s creative community. The Gear Factory has since been a key space for innovation, contributing to the economic and cultural revitalization of Syracuse. Through his work, Rick Destito continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Syracuse, blending entrepreneurial spirit with a deep sense of community and a commitment to innovation.