ITHACA, N.Y. — While reflecting on 2018, we decided to dig into the archives to find photos that represented important stories in Ithaca and Tompkins County this year. Often, photos are the most powerful tool to tell a story. The photos that stood out most as we took a look back at thousands of images we’ve collected this year depict community activism, serious crimes, celebrations, local people making an impact, and other significant moments, both good and bad.

These are just a selection of some of the important events that took place in 2018. Be sure to look out for more of our year-end recaps that will include development, local government and criminal justice and public safety.

To read the story behind the photo, just click the image.

Thousands of people, including many from Tompkins County, headed to Seneca Falls Jan. 20 for the 2018 Women’s March. The Women’s March in Ithaca drew an enormous crowd in 2017, but no march was planned in Ithaca for 2018 so many locals headed to nearby Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s rights. (Photo by Ed Dittenhoefer Photography)
Thousands of people, including many from Tompkins County, headed to Seneca Falls Jan. 20 for the 2018 Women’s March. The Women’s March in Ithaca drew an enormous crowd in 2017, but no march was planned in Ithaca for 2018 so many locals headed to nearby Seneca Falls, the birthplace of women’s rights. (Photo by Ed Dittenhoefer Photography)
On Jan. 11, 2018, Justin Barkley pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing William Schumacher, of Candor. Though Barkley shot Schumacher in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on December 2016, the case came to a close in January 2018 when Barkley pleaded guilty in exchange for a sentence of 25 years in prison. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
At the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center in January 2018, Ithacans revived the concept that the day should be a “day on” instead of a “day off.” Classes, like the dance class pictured, covered a range of issues from food injustice to non-violent civil disobedience. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
At the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center in January 2018, Ithacans revived the concept that the day should be a “day on” instead of a “day off.” Classes, like the dance class pictured, covered a range of issues from food injustice to non-violent civil disobedience. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Michael A. Davis exits Tompkins County Court on Feb 2, 2018, after pleading guilty to murdering Ithaca woman Josie Berrios in 2017. She was found dead at a construction site in Collegetown. (Photo by Alyvia Covert/Ithaca Voice)
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies in February 2018. The monastery in Ithaca will someday be the home of a truly unique and culturally significant site — His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Library and Museum. No other place in the world will house such documents that will preserve Tibetan cultural and religious history. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/Ithaca Voice)
Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies in February 2018. The monastery in Ithaca will someday be the home of a truly unique and culturally significant site — His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s Library and Museum. No other place in the world will house such documents that will preserve Tibetan cultural and religious history. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/Ithaca Voice)
After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico when it hit in February. Locally, people stepped up to help rebuild and help people stranded and without homes or power. A crew of women led by the Trumansburg-based Hammerstone School helped rebuild the Equus Center pictured. Before and after image of the Equus Center. (Provided photo)
Ithaca High School students challenged the casting of the school’s spring play, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” In this picture, students filled a board of education meeting to demand changes pioneering changes in the district to teach students about race and decolonization. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Ithaca High School students challenged the casting of the school’s spring play, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” In this picture, students filled a board of education meeting to demand changes pioneering changes in the district to teach students about race and decolonization. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
A local dad chooses food at a food pantry. In summer, he contributes his extra garden produce. The Ithaca Voice partnered with WRFI, Ithaca College Park Scholars and Hot Potato Press to feature an in-depth series on food insecurity in Tompkins County. (Photo by Jacob Mroczek/ The Ithaca Voice)
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, students began to filter out of Ithaca High School for the walkout. The 17-minute demonstration was meant to honor the 17 students killed in the Parkland school shooting Feb. 14. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/Ithaca Voice)
At 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, students began to filter out of Ithaca High School for the walkout. The 17-minute demonstration was meant to honor the 17 students killed in the Parkland school shooting Feb. 14. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/Ithaca Voice)
Officer Colin, Ithaca’s youngest police officer at just 10 years old, died March 17 at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis after a valiant, years-long fight against brain cancer. A police procession guided him home and community lined the streets to Ithaca after a plane carrying him landed in Syracuse. (Photo by Jacob Mroczek/The Ithaca Voice)
Officer Colin, Ithaca’s youngest police officer at just 10 years old, died March 17 at St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis after a valiant, years-long fight against brain cancer. A police procession guided him home and community lined the streets to Ithaca after a plane carrying him landed in Syracuse. (Photo by Jacob Mroczek/The Ithaca Voice)
After millions have been spent on cleanup, high levels of lead were again found at Ithaca Falls. Photo of a shotgun shell found in April 2018. To keep people from coming into contact with the contaminated soil, the EPA has laid down gravel over the walkway of the popular gorge trail. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Police recover weapons in April from Cayuga Lake. The weapons were ultimately linked to a former Cornell University student found with a cache of weapons in his Collegetown apartment. (Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Students and members of the community marched from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center to the Ithaca Commons for Take Back the Night on April 28. (Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Students and members of the community marched from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center to the Ithaca Commons for Take Back the Night on April 28. (Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
The Friends of the Library Book Sale is held at 509 Esty Street in Ithaca twice a year. Before this year’s spring sale, we took a look behind the scenes at how the book sale runs. Featured in this photo is the true crime section of the sale. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
The Friends of the Library Book Sale is held at 509 Esty Street in Ithaca twice a year. Before this year’s spring sale, we took a look behind the scenes at how the book sale runs. Featured in this photo is the true crime section of the sale. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
On May 3, 2018, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $14.2 million in funding for the Ithaca Regional Airport and DOT facility move. (Alyvia Covert/The Ithaca Voice)
Ithaca Police officers follow Nick Marranca during a search party for his missing daughter, Nicole, in May. The case is still open and family are seeking answers about the disappearance of Nicole Marranca, who went missing in August 2017. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Rain didn’t damper the 2018 Ithaca Parade on June 1. The parade and Ithaca Festival welcomes in summer every year and has for decades. To continue next year, festival organizers are currently trying to raise money to keep it afloat for 2019. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
Rain didn’t damper the 2018 Ithaca Parade on June 1. The parade and Ithaca Festival welcomes in summer every year and has for decades. To continue next year, festival organizers are currently trying to raise money to keep it afloat for 2019. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
In June, there was a conclusion to a 10-month debate over whether The Nines should receive historic designation. Svante Myrick broke a tie and voted against the designation. In this photo, Owners Mark and Shirley Kielmann stand in front of The Nines. (Photo by Jolene Almendarez/The Ithaca Voice)
A calf drinks outside the Cornell Dairy Teaching Barn. In July, we learned how cows are helping convert cow waste into some power for the City of Ithaca. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
A calf drinks outside the Cornell Dairy Teaching Barn. In July, we learned how cows are helping convert cow waste into some power for the City of Ithaca. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
As always, the annual GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance drew huge crowds to enjoy four days of music, activities, local food and vendors. Featured in this photo is Valerie June. (Photo by Ed Dittenhoefer)
Through more than 1,200 portraits, the local project, “We Are Ithaca,” has captured a snapshot of Ithaca’s rich community. The photos give a look at the lives of many people in the community. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Through more than 1,200 portraits, the local project, “We Are Ithaca,” has captured a snapshot of Ithaca’s rich community. The photos give a look at the lives of many people in the community. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Muhammad, an Afghan interpreter hiding in Pakistan, teaches his daughters while they are in hiding. A Cornell student has been advocating to get Muhammad and his family to safety in the United States. He served as an interpreter for U.S. troops for 10 years before having to flee from the Taliban. (Provided Photo)
After her death at age 88 in June, the life of civil rights leader Dorothy Cotton was celebrated by family, friends, and colleagues in Cornell’s Bailey Hall in August. At the event, Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II opened his remarks stating, “Forward together, not one step back.” Speakers called on attendees to continue Dorothy Cotton’s work.
After her death at age 88 in June, the life of civil rights leader Dorothy Cotton was celebrated by family, friends, and colleagues in Cornell’s Bailey Hall in August. At the event, Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II opened his remarks stating, “Forward together, not one step back.” Speakers called on attendees to continue Dorothy Cotton’s work.
Worker safety was questioned at a hotel construction site in Downtown Ithaca after this photo surfaced. OSHA is investigating the concerns. (Provided Photo)
The community witnesses a historic flight when Ithaca’s Tommy Plane took a centennial flight in September after years of restoration. (Photo by Devon Magliozzi/The Ithaca Voice)
The community witnesses a historic flight when Ithaca’s Tommy Plane took a centennial flight in September after years of restoration. (Photo by Devon Magliozzi/The Ithaca Voice)
At the base of Lower Enfield Falls at Robert H. Treman State Park in September, 100 tabla players from the Taalim School drummed in unison along with the natural tempo of the waterfall. The event was the first of its kind in the United States. (Photo by Kristi Gogos)
After a retrial, Jeffrey Horton, of Dryden, was again found guilty of raping a woman in her home in March 2015. Horton had previously been on trial for the same charges and found guilty, but the verdict was overturned due to an issue with a potential juror. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in November. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
After a retrial, Jeffrey Horton, of Dryden, was again found guilty of raping a woman in her home in March 2015. Horton had previously been on trial for the same charges and found guilty, but the verdict was overturned due to an issue with a potential juror. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison in November. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
A room in Comstock Hall at Cornell University was filled with free-flying butterflies as part of the annual Insectapalooza on Oct. 20. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
A room in Comstock Hall at Cornell University was filled with free-flying butterflies as part of the annual Insectapalooza on Oct. 20. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
As part of a move to its new home on the Ithaca Commons, the History Center rallied a human brigade to bring historical items from the old site to the new one on Oct. 21. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
As part of a move to its new home on the Ithaca Commons, the History Center rallied a human brigade to bring historical items from the old site to the new one on Oct. 21. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Kindergarten students enjoy lunch at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. Two local schools began offering free breakfast and lunch for all students this year. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Kindergarten students enjoy lunch at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. Two local schools began offering free breakfast and lunch for all students this year. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Community members have continuously voiced concerns about asbestos management during the demolition of the Old Library. Demolition officially got underway in December. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Community members have continuously voiced concerns about asbestos management during the demolition of the Old Library. Demolition officially got underway in December. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
At a city meeting in November, Ithaca Fire Department Chief Tom Parsons said in the latest iteration of “The Jungle,” the homeless encampment in the undeveloped Southwest Business Park, “people down there are in survival mode.” The photo features a fire in the Jungle in September. (Provided Photo)
At a city meeting in November, Ithaca Fire Department Chief Tom Parsons said in the latest iteration of “The Jungle,” the homeless encampment in the undeveloped Southwest Business Park, “people down there are in survival mode.” The photo features a fire in the Jungle in September. (Provided Photo)
The annual Veterans Day Parade marched through Downtown Ithaca. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
The annual Veterans Day Parade marched through Downtown Ithaca. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Police roped off an area of North Cayuga Street on Dec. 7 after a man was stabbed by three teens. (Photo by Jacob Mroczek/The Ithaca Voice)
Santa and his elves rappeled down to the Ithaca Commons from the roof of Center Ithaca. We went behind the scenes to see how this annual event comes together. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
Santa and his elves rappeled down to the Ithaca Commons from the roof of Center Ithaca. We went behind the scenes to see how this annual event comes together. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
The annual Cops, Kids & Toys event helps get toys to hundreds of kids in need in Tompkins County. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)
The annual Cops, Kids & Toys event helps get toys to hundreds of kids in need in Tompkins County. (Photo by Kelsey O’Connor/The Ithaca Voice)

Reporter Devon Magliozzi contributed to this article.

Kelsey O'Connor is the managing editor for the Ithaca Voice. Questions? Story tips? Contact her at koconnor@ithacavoice.com and follow her on Twitter @bykelseyoconnor.