March Exhibit: The Cigar Makers of Binghamton
At the turn of the 19th century, Binghamton was home to a thriving cigar industry that helped shape the city’s early identity. More than 70 cigar factories operated here, employing over 4,000 workers who produced an astonishing 150 million cigars each year. This remarkable output made Binghamton one of the leading cigar‑manufacturing centers in the world.
Behind this success were the women who powered the industry. At its height, 73% of the cigar‑factory workforce was female. Despite low wages and long hours, these women played a central role in building the city’s first major industry and left a lasting mark on Binghamton’s social and economic history.
This month’s exhibit, The Cigar Makers of Binghamton, presented by the Broome County Historical Society, showcases this story through a compelling collection of historic photographs. These images capture the factories, the workers, and the everyday scenes of a once‑vibrant trade, offering a rare visual window into a defining chapter of local history.
Special Event: Talk by Broome County Historian Roger Luther
To complement the exhibit, the Broome County Historical Society will host a presentation by Roger Luther, the Broome County Historian. Luther has long been involved in preserving and interpreting the region’s history, and his work offers valuable insight into the rise, impact, and legacy of cigar making in Binghamton.
History of Cigar Making in Binghamton Wednesday, March 18 at 6:15 PM Decker Room, Broome County Public Library
This free program invites the community to explore the people, places, and stories behind one of Binghamton’s earliest and most influential industries.