[3] In retirement, he also taught in the Auburn Correctional Facility as a part of the Cornell prison education program.
[4] Polenberg died at his home in Ithaca, New York, on November 26, 2020, at the age of 83.
Former student Tom Allen wrote of Polenberg: In 1981, sitting in the fourth row at cavernous Bailey Hall, I watched the masterful Professor Polenberg pace the stage for about one hour telling compelling stories from American history in the mid-20th century.
His lectures were so interesting and so fluid that it was hard to take proper notes and absorb his unique storytelling powers at the same time.
This parade of American history leapt off the stage and in his mellifluous style, Polenberg riveted over 1000 students in the auditorium.