Cleveland History Center

06/02/2026

History is about to become a major family adventure this summer! The America 250-Ohio Commission officially launched the 4th Grade History Pass Plus program, and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

If you have a student who just finished the 4th grade, listen up: Throughout the entire month of July, your 4th grader AND up to three family members get FREE general admission to check out the Cleveland History Center! It’s all part of celebrating our nation's upcoming 250th anniversary by helping the next generation dive into our state's incredible stories.

Learn more, view the FAQs, and download your pass here:
https://america250-ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass/

America 250-Ohio and Ohio history-related museums and sites are offering Ohio 4th Graders with free general admission to participating sites.

06/02/2026

Join us here at the Cleveland History Center for 2026 YP Week: Night at the Museum — an evening celebrating Cleveland’s rich film history and its connection to Hollywood.

Enjoy:
A spotlight talk from a WRHS expert on Hollywood on the Cuyahoga
A self-guided scavenger hunt through the museum
Free admission + cash bar
A fun, low-pressure way to explore, mingle, and connect

June 11, 2026
5:30–8:00 PM
Parking available behind the museum off Magnolia Drive

Register now through Engage! Cleveland: https://engagecleveland.org/events/2026-yp-week-night-at-the-museum/

06/01/2026

From Hale Farm & Village to the Cleveland History Center, this Western Reserve Historical Society wedding was a beautiful full-circle celebration of love.

We’re honored to have been part of your day. 💞

06/01/2026

A little peek into 250 years of American history.

On June 14, join us at the Cleveland History Center for America250 Family Day—an all-ages experience included with museum admission.

Families can take part in hands-on activities connecting the early Western Reserve to the broader story of the United States, explore special exhibitions like Hollywood on the Cuyahoga (presented by PNC as part of America250-Ohio’s Ohio Goes to the Movies), and dig into family history with help from experts in our WRHS Library and Genealogical Committee.

Throughout the day, visitors can also take part in Ohio Trails & Tales stops across the museum:
• Aviation and air race history at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
• Cleveland creativity at Euclid Beach Park Carousel
• Innovation stories including Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal and other local inventions
• Transportation history from Cleveland-made cars to Keep on Truckin’: Rise of the Great American Truck

Plus tours of the Hay-McKinney Mansion, and a special appearance by George Washington at 3:30pm.

Pop your head in for a quick stop—or stay for the whole day!

More info & tickets: www.wrhs.org/do-see/events/2026/06/14/america250-family-day

05/31/2026

Don't forget our online archives are always open! https://wrhs.access.preservica.com/portal/en-US

Thank you for thinking of us. 💛

05/31/2026

Jewish history in Cleveland continues to live through archives, scholarship, and public conversation.

This summer, WRHS Curator for Jewish Studies Sean Martin, PhD, will participate in Siegal Lifelong Learning programs exploring the history and impact of Jewish organizations in Cleveland, as well as the legacy of Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver and Daniel Jeremy Silver.

Using archival materials, film, audio, and historical records, these programs examine the people and institutions that helped shape Cleveland’s civic, cultural, and religious life across generations.

Learn more through Siegal Lifelong Learning:

https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/lectures/great-institutions-cleveland/great-institutions-cleveland-jewish-organizations

https://case.edu/lifelonglearning/courses/courses-subject/jewish-studies/legacy-silvers-1917-1989

05/30/2026

Join us for day camp at the museum!

June 12, 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm

For campers ages 4–7, this half-day camp invites kids to explore the past through museum collections with trained educators on-site at the Cleveland History Center (University Circle).

Kids will look for animals throughout our historic spaces, explore connections between animals and transportation (including inspiration from the Crawford Auto-Aviation Collection), and discover stories from Ohio history including a playful nod to Where the Wild Things Are.

Details:
• Drop-off/pick-up: 9:00am–12:00pm
• Adults may stay or explore the museum during camp
• Member: $25 | Non-member: $40
• Location: 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland

www.wrhs.org/do-see/events/2026/06/12/historic-animals-camp

05/29/2026

Your Northeast Ohio Summer starts here. ☀️

Whether it’s stepping foot into the 19th-century frontier at Hale Farm & Village, to exploring cars, fashion, film, immigration, design, and innovation at the Cleveland History Center — there’s something happening all summer long at Western Reserve Historical Society.

Spend the day with us…or even stay overnight at the beautifully restored Cranz Farm House overlooking Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Celebrate America 250 with festivals, family days and kids camps. Explore classic car shows, live music, exhibits, and unforgettable experiences across our campuses and historic properties.

This summer, discover the American experience through the history of Northeast Ohio.

Plan your visit, explore upcoming events, and make your summer memories with WRHS.

More details in our WRHS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/4a08c44b4609/the-countdown-to-summer-has-begun?e=b2184e09dd

The countdown to summer has officially begun, and these unforgettable experiences will not wait. Experience history like never before because this summer, America turns 250, and the ultimate celebration is happening right in your backyard! Don't let the season pass you by—lock in your summer plans...

05/29/2026

This year, the American Jewish Historical Society Biennial Scholars Conference will bring together historians, archivists, and researchers exploring Jewish life, migration, culture, and community across America.

From family histories and immigration stories to civic leadership and public memory, this ongoing scholarship helps deepen our understanding of both national and Cleveland history.

At WRHS, we’re proud to help preserve and share these stories through collections, research, and public history work.

Learn more about the conference:
https://ajhs.org/scholars/scholars-conference/2026-biennial-scholars-conference/

Visit our digital archives here: https://wrhs.access.preservica.com/portal/en-US

The AJHS 2026 Biennial Scholars Conference in Cleveland, Ohio will be held Sunday, May 31st to Tuesday, June 2nd.

05/28/2026

Join us Sunday, June 14 from 11 am–3 pm at the Cleveland History Center for a day of discovery:

✨ Hands-on activities exploring the early history of the Western Reserve
🎬 Explore Hollywood on the Cuyahoga as part of America250-Ohio’s Ohio Goes to the Movies
🔍 Dig into your family history with experts from the WRHS Genealogical Committee
🎠 Visit the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel
✈️🚗 See aviation treasures and historic Cleveland-made cars inside the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum
🚦 Get up close to innovation like Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal

Plus—check off stops and earn rewards through the Ohio Trails & Tales program.

Included with regular admission. Show up and explore!