Western Reserve Historical Society among four institutions to receive funds in perpetuity.

The National Fiduciary Trust Committee of KeyBank recently approved to continue, in perpetuity, the Dudley Allen Trust Funds established a hundred years ago for the benefit of four Northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations. The Dudley Allen Trust Funds were established per terms of an agreement between Elisabeth Severance Allen and The Cleveland Trust Company dated September 24, 1915. Five trusts funds were formed to benefit The Cleveland Medical Library Association, Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland Museum of Art, Oberlin College, and the Jennie Allen Nurse Fund of Oberlin College. The trust funds were to be held for one hundred years, with the income from the trust funds paid to the 4 named organizations.

The agreement states: “It is my wish and I direct that payment of income to the several institutions and organizations hereinbefore designated…..shall continue for such length of time beyond the period originally fixed for their termination, as they shall efficiently and worthily carry out the purposes of their organization, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of The Cleveland Trust Company, whose judgement with respect thereto shall be conclusive.”

This continuing support, now in perpetuity as approved by KeyBank, reflects the forward thinking legacy of philanthropic Clevelanders over a century ago.  At that time, Cleveland was the sixth largest city in the nation.  Manufacturing and industry amassed wealth leading to an unprecedented expansion of philanthropy in Northeast Ohio.  A number of these companies thrive yet today, as do the historically significant nonprofit organizations developed during that era of wealth and philanthropy.  As these companies and nonprofit organizations approach or even surpass their centennial, their legacies continue to grow.

Western Reserve Historical Society will honor those who have reached this milestone at its 100 Year Club annual awards banquet on Monday, December 7, 2015.  The 2015 Class includes eleven local organizations surpassing their centennial and two additional organizations that have reached one hundred fifty years of service.  The list includes Cleveland Play House, Farmers National Bank, Fay Sharpe LLP, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Greater Cleveland Auto Dealers Association, Hawken School, Jewish Family Service Association, Karamu House, Kiwanis, Seibert Keck, Spitzer Automotive, Ohio Awning & Manufacturing Co (150 years), and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center (150 years).

 

For more information on the event visit www.wrhs.org/get-involved/100-year-club/ .

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Exhibition on prolific Cleveland artist opens November 27, 2015 at Cleveland History Center

Frank Nelson Wilcox (1887-1964) was a native Clevelander who was as interested in history as he was in art. He believed that all art was an emotional experience, and that the forms in nature must be interpreted rather than copied. A prolific student, artist, and long-time professor at the Cleveland School of Art, Wilcox left behind a rich treasure trove of artwork that reflects the history of Cleveland, the Northeast Ohio region, and other parts of the country and world he traveled during his lifetime. A comprehensive exhibition of his work, Frank N. Wilcox: Artist as Historian will open at the Cleveland History Center on Friday, November 27, 2015.

Frank N. Wilcox: Artist as Historian is an exhibition on Wilcox’s work relating to the history of Cleveland and its surrounding Ohio environs. “His work is not like a detailed photographic record of places in time, but an interpretation of places, people and events by a skilled draftsman with a wonderful sense of design and understanding of all of its elements,” says William G. Scheele, exhibit curator.

Wilcox began teaching at the Cleveland School of Art in 1913, after spending time in Europe following his graduation from the school in 1910. He taught design, drawing, painting and printmaking for 44 years and was known as the “Dean of Cleveland School Painters.” As a teacher, Wilcox used his vacation time to travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe and parts of Canada. As a passenger, since he never learned to drive, Wilcox was able to sketch endlessly during his travels, becoming a chronicler of all he saw.

The art collection for the exhibition collaboratively comes together from the Western Reserve Historical Society, Jones Day Cleveland, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the private Wilcox Family Archives. This will be the first time that many pieces will be available to the public.

Frank Wilcox came from a large family with New England ancestry on both sides, all of whom played a significant role in settling Ohio’s Western Reserve. The Wilcox and Snow families offered young Frank exposure to both city and country life, which is reflected in his work and in family photographs. A companion gallery will illustrate the rich Wilcox and Snow family history and take a look at Frank Wilcox, the man.

“We are pleased to make the connection of art to history to genealogy,” says Angie Lowrie, Director of the Cleveland History Center. “It is an exhibit trifecta.”

Frank N. Wilcox: Artist as Historian is presented at the Cleveland History Center, through the generous support from the Elizabeth Ring Mather and William Gwinn Mather Fund, Ms. Caroline Butler, Mr. Thomas H. Horner and Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Waldman. The exhibition will be open November 27, 2015 through April 30, 2016 at the Cleveland History Center in University Circle at 10825 East Boulevard. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday noon to 5:00 pm. Admission is $10 adults; $9 seniors (age 62+); $5.00 students (age 3-12). WRHS members and children 2 & under receive free admission. Group rates are available. For information call 216-721-5722 or visit www.wrhs.org.

 

Funds from The State of Ohio and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Support Upgrades to Guest Parking Lot and Main Entrance

The transformation continues for the Western Reserve Historical Society with a $1 million exterior renovation at the Cleveland History Center in University Circle.  With support from The State of Ohio and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, and in partnership with Behnke Associates, Inc. and F. Buddie Contracting, Ltd. WRHS completed much needed renovations to its main visitor parking lot on Magnolia Drive and the Reinberger Gallery main entrance plaza.  The improvement project featured a facelift with improved access, new parking controls, and the implementation of green infrastructure.  This upgrade also improves guest access, safety and overall appearance of the 7-plus acres that comprise the Cleveland History Center.

The cornerstone of the project is an approach to sustainability.  Through the installation of multiple bioretention cells, infiltration, stormwater harvesting, and other green infrastructure practices, the parking lot and patio is designed to eliminate from the combined sewer system up to 750,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually and in turn, reduce the release of combined sewage into the environment.  In addition, lighting upgrades incorporate highly efficient LED fixtures, with appropriate “cut offs” to minimize light pollution.

“The Western Reserve Historical Society genuinely appreciates support from The State of Ohio and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District for making this work possible. Stewardship is one of the Historical Society’s core values, ” explains Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO. “This includes stewardship of the land and responsible stewardship of the collections that we hold in public trust.  This major renovation project dramatically improves the guest experience and community access to the Cleveland History Center, and to University Circle in general.

The new parking lot and guest entrance, located off Magnolia Drive, opens to the public on Friday, September 11, 2015.  Visible improvements will include a pervious paver drive leading to a stamped concrete entry.  Pay-in-lane parking equipment will allow 24-hour parking access for visitors to University Circle.   Multi-modal transportation and community connectivity is encouraged by including bike racks and maintaining convenient drop-off points near the entrance.  A new walkway from the parking lot to the entrance is enhanced by a renovated exterior wall, new gates, and increased green space.

Parking Rates (effective 9/11/15)

Public Hours (Tuesday-Sunday 7:00 am-6:00 pm)
First 2 Hours…………………………..$8
Each Additional 30 min……………..$1
Daily Max……………………………….$15

After Hours (Tuesday-Sunday 6:01 pm-6:59 am | Monday all day/night)
Flat Rate………………………………..$10
*Pay in Lane/Credit Card Only

All WRHS Members – $5/car flat rate
*During regular museum hours only

Western Reserve Historical Society opens search for Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles
Lead Gift from WRHS Museum Advisory Council makes funds available.

The Museum Advisory Council (MAC), an auxiliary of the Western Reserve Historical Society voted unanimously to support WRHS’s nationally ranked costume and textile collection with the Museum Advisory Council Costume Collection Endowment Fund. With the fund in place, WRHS will open a search for the Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles.

“The Museum Advisory Council has a legacy of fundraising to support the Western Reserve Historical Society for more than 60 years,” says Marjorie Comella, MAC President. “We are pleased to direct one of the MAC funds to support this significant part of the museum collection. We consider this to be lead gift and encourage the community to continue their support.”

“This is great news for the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing,” adds Cindy Halle, wife of the late Chisholm Halle. Chisholm Halle was the President of the Halle Brothers. Co. Department Store from 1966 to1973 and a trustee of the Western Reserve Historical Society. “This gem needs a leader. The Collection and Historical Society are deserving of a new chapter!”
The Chisholm Halle Costume Wing at the Western Reserve Historical Society, named for Chisholm Halle, houses 40,000 garments, quilts, and textiles from 1750 to the present. It ranks among the top ten collections of its kind in the United States. The collection is international in scope and contains both historic and contemporary designs, including mass-produced, ready-to-wear, couture and one-of-a-kind pieces.
The Western Reserve Historical Society is Cleveland’s oldest cultural institution. It was founded nearly 150 years ago, in 1867, to preserve and tell the story of Cleveland and the region. Today, WRHS engages the community through one of the country’s finest collections relating to the American experience.

“Preserving and providing greater access to our nationally ranked costume and textile collection is a top priority for this organization. We are indebted to the Museum Advisory Council for this generous gift that will allow WRHS to engage a professional curator to steward and interpret this collection,” explains Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO.

The search for the Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume and Textiles will open in Fall 2015. A full job description will be posted online at www.wrhs.org. Inquiries should be directed to WRHS Human Resources, info@wrhs.org.

Free Admission on September 26, 2015, with a Downloadable Museum Day Live! Ticket

Cleveland History Center will open its doors free of charge on Saturday September 26, 2015, as part of Smithsonian magazine’s eleventh annual Museum Day Live! On this day only, participating museums across the United States emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington DC-based facilities, which offer free admission every day, and open their doors for free to those who download a Museum Day Live! ticket.

Inclusive by design, the event represents Smithsonian’s commitment to make learning and the spread of knowledge accessible to everyone. Last year’s event drew over 400,000 participants, and this year’s event is expected to attract more museum goers than ever before.

Cleveland History Center is the premier storyteller of Northeast Ohio’s history. It’s mission is to inspire people to discover the American experience through the regional history in Northeast Ohio presented through its vast collections including the Bingham-Hanna & Hay-McKinney Mansions, Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel, In Grand Style: Fashions from the 1870s to the 1930s, Kidzibits Hands-on Gallery, Research Library and more.

The Museum Day Live! ticket will be available for download beginning in August at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the Museum Day Live! ticket will gain free entrance for two at participating venues for one day only. One ticket, per household, per email address is permitted. For more information about Museum Day Live! 2015 and a full list of participating museums and cultural institutions, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday.

 

On the brink of the Western Reserve Historical Society’s 150th anniversary in 2017, one of Cleveland’s eldest museums makes their archives available to the public through a digital repository, Digital Cleveland History at digital.wrhs.org.

Holding more than twelve thousand images, periodicals and references, Digital Cleveland History has been an on-going project for the last five years, with hopes of making Cleveland’s rich past available to history enthusiasts and inquiring minds around the world.

Images from the WRHS Research Library have been used by varied audiences from students and authors to outlets gearing up for the 2016 Republican National Convention and producers of nationally syndicated shows. Such shows include Jeopardy (ABC) and Mysteries of the Museum (Travel Channel,) who utilize the library’s unique collection to expand their audience’s depth of Cleveland notables, events and landmarks.

“Western Reserve Historical Society strives to be the first stop for the discovery and exploration of Cleveland and the American experience.” says Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO. “For the first time, the community is able to see our vast trove of manuscript collections 24/7. The new online catalog is both comprehensive and easy to use – a truly magnificent contribution to historical research.”
Guests of Digital Cleveland History are encouraged to utilize the digital repository for print and public use with permission from the museum. High resolution images are available upon request. For those interested in exploring content beyond Digital Cleveland History, contact the WRHS Research Library at 216-721-5722 x1509 or visit WRHS.org.