Lesbian-feminist press Firebrand Books once called the building at 143 East State Street, Ithaca, NY, home. That building has since been declared a historical landmark. In October 2022, the city’s Common Council approved the designation unanimously after acting on a recommendation from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission.
“[The Building] was recommended for historic designation based on fitting criteria like historic significance, notable architecture and building character, and being a recognizable visual feature of a certain neighborhood or area,” The Ithaca Voice explained.
Firebrand Books was founded by Nancy Bereano in 1984. The publishing house called 143 E. State St. home until it fell under new leadership in 2003. Among the works published by Firebrand Books was Alison Bechdel’s iconic collection Dykes to Watch Out For.
“As an editor and publisher, Bereano influenced not only feminist and LBGTQ publishing but print culture as a whole,” the ILPC resolution reads, according to the Voice. “Her work established a platform for formerly unheard lesbian and feminist voices and brought these perspectives into the mainstream. As an activist, Bereano fought for the inclusion of women of color in the Women in Print movement and the passage of LBGTQ right legislation in Ithaca.”
Bereano was filled with joy at the prospect of Firebrand Books’ former home becoming a local historic landmark. She addressed Common Council during the public comment portion, saying, “The reason Firebrand was significant was that in those 15+ years, a staff of myself and one other person and freelancers published 104 titles, many of which changed the lives of the women who read them. Firebrand was committed to publishing a wide variety, a great diversity of women in terms of race and ethnicity, and cultural backgrounds, it was committed to publishing feminist and lesbian material, and perhaps a third of those books were published by not-white women.”
Alderperson Cynthia Brock spoke about the building’s significance as a historic hub for cultural leadership. “It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to highlight and fix for future generations a location that has been a cultural leader in a movement, an inspiration, a safe space,” she said.
“I’ve known Nancy [Bereano] for years, and the work that she has done. I’ve been so impressed with her and the history of Firebrand Books and her creation and commitment to it.”
The preservation of 143 East State Street acknowledges the importance of lesbian work and history. The designation of “historic landmark” means that the building will be protected from any notable changes due to its cultural significance.
