To understand Homer, New York, start with this book. Martin Sweeney has assembled a collection of his historic writings in this compilation, and taken as a whole, he has put his finger on what makes this community so significant. The Heart of Central New York is local history at its finest.

Dr. Evan Faulkenbury, SUNY College at Cortland, associate professor of history

In his new book, The Heart of Central New York: Stories of Historic Homer, a selection of his informative and well-researched newspaper columns, Historian Martin A. Sweeney tells the stories of the many people, places and events that shaped Homer, New York into the vibrant and special place it is today. In vivid detail, readers experience the drama and intrigue of everyday life; Prohibition raids; a stagecoach ride on the Albany Post Road; the discovery of a traveler on the Underground Railroad; a visit with Eleanor Roosevelt; the trials and tribulations of early settlers of European descent; an unsolved murder; an influenza pandemic; the removal of the Klan from Cortland County; important connections to President Lincoln and the Civil War; and much more. This book is everything a local history should be, providing context and a glimpse back in time that informs the present and future of Historic Homer.

Elizabeth Wavle-Brown, dean emeritus of the library, Elmira College

Martin A. Sweeney is a careful and enthusiastic historian who dives deeply into the fascinating details of life in Homer, NY. His research is thorough, and he has effortlessly woven together engaging tales that bring history to life. This book is a must read for anyone interested in Homer, Cortland County, and New York State history and how it all fits into United States history.

Tabitha Scoville, executive director, Cortland County Historical Society,

Homer has long been the quiet gem, unknown to the thousands that pass it by each day. But no longer. Martin Sweeney’s The Heart of Central New York brings to life the rich architectural heritage of this community and the people that have been the pulse.

Russ Darr, president, Landmark Society of Cortland County