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Born in Syracuse, Serling grew up in Binghamton, famously saying, “Everyone has to have a hometown, Binghamton is mine.” Serlingfest will include a video marathon, a series of panels and presentations, author signings, and trivia contests. On Sunday, a statue of Serling will be dedicated in Recreation Park. Literally within walking distance of his Binghamton home, the park inspired the setting for one of his most acclaimed Twilight Zone episodes, “Walking Distance.”

Serling taught at Ithaca from 1967 to 1975, screening his own work and mentoring students by providing feedback on their scripts and projects. He even occasionally appeared in their films and hosted students at his family home on Cayuga Lake. After his death in 1975 his wife, Carol, a longtime Ithaca College trustee, donated many of his works to the college. This resulted in the creation of the Rod Serling Archives, containing original scripts, copies of episodes of The Twilight Zone, original voice recordings, and his six Emmy Awards.

The Twilight Zone broke new ground using science-fiction and horror tropes to address serious societal issues. In 2015 the college established the Rod Serling Award for Advancing Social Justice Through Popular Media, which honors a contemporary media industry professional whose work shines a light on prejudice, inequality, and evolving social norms.

Robin Young ’72, co-host of NPR’s newsmagazine program “Here and Now,” talked recently with Rod Serling’s daughter Anne Serling about her father’s legacy and the upcoming celebration of his centennial. Listen to the interview here.

For more information, the complete schedule, and tickets to Serlingfest, visit rodserling.com/serlingfest-2024.