DONATIONS
We are actively seeking houseplans, family photographs and other printed ephemera related to Shaker Heights' homes and businesses. If families do not want to donate photographs, we would be interested in receiving digital copies for our archives. We also would be happy to work with residents, old and new, to make copies of documents.
PLEASE DO NOT simply drop off items as we cannot accept them without making proper legal arrangements.
Shown left is the kitchen from a house on Montgomery that was built in 1927 for a newlywed couple.
The Elizabeth Nord Library and Archives is open by appointment to researchers during normal opening hours (Tuesday - Friday, 11am - 5pm).
The library has holdings predominantly about the Shakers but the development of Shaker Heights and how it fits into the history of Cleveland are also represented. To see an index of our holdings prepared by volunteer Patrice Moore, click here:
The Map Collection
The library and archives contain a number of maps about Shaker Heights, Cleveland and the surrounding area. There are a few exceptions, notably one about Ohio's Underground Railroads. The Underground Railroad map shows clearly a line drawn east from Cleveland to Chagrin Falls, which relates today to Chagrin Boulevard (formerly Kinsman).
Thanks to a grant from the Ohio Historic Records Advisory Board, the map collection was reorganized and indexed by summer intern and John Carroll University graduate Kati Corbett. A superbly illustrated and indexed finding aid to this collection is available via the READ MORE link below.
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The Scrapbook Collection
The museum has a collection of scrapbooks, some of which were created by early members of the Shaker Historical Society to document Shaker Heights history and the business of the society - but the collection also includes scrapbooks from members of the community. This was indexed by John Carroll University summer intern Ann Quinn. To see the index, follow the read more button!
Far Left: Elizabeth Nord
Left: Eleanor Webster whose
scrapbook is in the collection.
The Stereoview Collection includes over 1200 stereoview cards, mainly of locations and topics in the United States. Prominent stereoview companies operating in the US in the late 19th century are also included such as Keystone.
This exceptional collection was fully photographed, organized and indexed thanks to Laurel School student Christina Gao who did the entire project in three weeks! This was her Senior Project.
