Elizabeth Nord was the Shaker Historical Society's first director and curator. Mrs Herman Nord was tireless in her mission to preserve, protect and to promote the legacy of the Shakers of North Union. She was instrumental in forming the Society and in the Society's important role in preventing the construction of the Clark Freeway, which would have destroyed the Shaker Lakes. The Society's Elizabeth Nord Library and Archives was dedicated to her memory on Sept 15, 1987.

The library is open to researchers by appointment only. Admission is free for SHS members or $5 for general admission.

The library contains books related to the Shakers of North Union, utopian societies, the development of Shaker Heights and Cleveland. The archives contain vertical files about Warrensville Township, the Shakers and Shaker Heights. We are actively collecting material. 

Some of the special collections include our Map Collection, Stereoview Collection and the James A. Toman Photograph Collection, which features the Shaker Rapid and other interruban trains.

We are happy to do initial research at no charge, but if  your inquiry will take us more than 15 minutes to address or search in our archives, we would charge $25/hr. 

Reprographics or copying material is at the discretion of the Director only to ensure the long term preservation of the materials. Fees may apply. No photography or cell phone use is permitted.

The Scrapbook Collection