Founded in 1947, the Shaker Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Shaker Heights to inspire curiosity and foster engagement between diverse communities and the people, events, and stories that shape local history.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Traveling through Time: Eclipse Edition

April 1, 2024 | 4:30-5:30pm | Shaker Heights Public Library

Join Shaker Library and the Shaker Historical Society to step back in time to 1869 when a partial solar eclipse was visible to Ohio. Interact with historical objects from SHS, test your trivia, and enjoy a solar eclipse themed craft!

Total Solar Eclipse: Planetarium in the Park

April 8, 2024 | 1-4pm | Thornton Park

We are counting down the days until the Total Solar Eclipse! Shaker Historical Society is excited to host a Coloring Corner during the Shaker Heights Recreation Department and Shaker Library's solar eclipse watch party at Thornton Park.

Bring a blanket or towel, find a spot on the Sledding Hill, and enjoy relaxing ‘planetarium-style’ ambient electronic music during this otherworldly occasion! For kids & families, stop by the Shaker Recreation ‘Cosmic Craft’ Station, Shaker Library’s Activities & Book Giveaway, and Shaker Historical Society’s Coloring Corner. Food will also be available from the Squash the Beef and The Sweet Suite 216 food trucks.

LEARN MORE

Mingle at the Mansion: Celestial Edition

April 26, 2024 | 7-9pm | Shaker Historical Society | TICKETS COMING SOON

Save the date! On April 26, our first Mingle at the Mansion of 2024 looks to the sky for inspiration. Astrologers, astronomers, and everyone in between are welcome to enjoy themed drinks and activities in our 1910 mansion with our new exhibition Manifestation of Light: Exploring the Shakers' Celestial Inspiration.

Details and tickets coming soon!

 Empire Builders Book Launch with Lauren R. Pacini

June 6, 2024 | 7-8:30pm | Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The Shaker Historical Society and Shaker Heights Public Library are proud to sponsor the launch of Empire Builders: An Illustrated History of the Rise and Fall of Cleveland’s Van Sweringen Brothers (Indiana University Press, 2024), the latest book from architectural photographer and local history author Lauren R. Pacini. The first biography of the Van Sweringen brothers in more than twenty years, Empire Builders shares the remarkable rise and fall of Oris P. and Mantis J. Sweringen, brothers born into poverty with a vision that holds a lasting legacy in Shaker Heights and Cleveland.

Join us on Thursday, June 6 at 7pm to hear author Lauren Pacini discuss the book, purchase a copy, and tour a new Lissauer Gallery exhibition featuring Pacini’s architectural photographs of Van Sweringen properties.

This is a free event at the Shaker Historical Society. Due to limited space, registration is required. Limited parking is available behind the museum with overflow parking along South Park Boulevard. Please note that access to the exhibition in the second floor Lissauer Gallery requires navigation of stairs.

Learn more on our Upcoming Events page!

Current & Upcoming Exhibits

Luminous Botanica by Sequoia Bostick — March 8 - May 26, 2024

As the signs of spring emerge outside, explore an illustrative world of peaceful botanical wonder in Luminous Botanica, a solo exhibition by Sequoia Bostick in our Lissauer Gallery. Sequoia's work features a variety of plant themed scenes that show her love for the colorful beauty and serenity of nature and plant care.

Sequoia Bostick is an Illustrator, maker, and designer living in Cleveland, Ohio. She creates pieces that are self contained narratives with the purpose of capturing the essence of a single moment, or emotion. As of late, her work has evolved through the use of color theory and shape language to enhance the slice of life illustration experience.

Luminous Botanica is on view in the second floor Lissauer Gallery through May 26, 2024.

Manifestation of Light: Exploring the Shakers' Celestial Inspiration — March 8 - August 11, 2024

Inspired by the highly anticipated solar eclipse, Manifestation of Light: Exploring the Shakers' Celestial Inspiration delves into Shaker artwork, writing, and culture inspired by the sun, moon, and stars. From gift drawings to poetry to dance, the Shakers' relationship with celestial light and cosmic geometry is grounded in real-world skills and references, providing a captivating intersection of the heavens and earth.

Manifestation of Light is made possible in part by Ohio Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities and will be on view through August 11, 2024.