Dream Town – Laura Meckler

Can a group of well-intentioned people fulfill the promise of racial integration in America?

In this searing and intimate examination of the ideals and realities of racial integration, award-winning Washington Post journalist Laura Meckler tells the story of a decades-long pursuit in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and uncovers the roadblocks that have threatened progress time and again―in housing, in education, and in the promise of shared community.

In the late 1950s, Shaker Heights began groundbreaking work that would make it a national model for housing integration. And beginning in the seventies, it was known as a crown jewel in the national move to racially integrate schools. The school district built a reputation for academic excellence and diversity, serving as a model for how white and Black Americans can thrive together. Meckler―herself a product of Shaker Heights―takes a deeper look into the place that shaped her, investigating its complicated history and its ongoing challenges in order to untangle myth from truth. She confronts an enduring, and troubling, question―if Shaker Heights has worked so hard at racial equity, why does a racial academic achievement gap persist?

In telling the stories of the Shakerites who have built and lived in this community, Meckler asks: What will it take to fulfill the promise of racial integration in America? What compromises are people of all races willing to make? What does success look like, and has Shaker achieved it? The result is a complex and masterfully reported portrait of a place that, while never perfect, has achieved more than most and a road map for communities that seek to do the same.

Includes black-and-white images.

*Part of the 2023-2024 By the Book series.

Pricing Details:

Non-Member-

Purchase the book from us and get half price of 1 admission to this event and access to the virtual book presentation via code provided at checkout.

Member-

Purchase the book at 10% off from our gift shop, and get free admission to this event and virtual access to the book presentation free.

Members save 10% on all museum store purchases!

Interested in becoming a member?

9.28.23 William Krejci Lost Ghost Stories of Cleveland

10.5.23 Carlo Wolff Invisible Soul: Uncovering Cleveland’s Underground Soul Scene

1.18.24 Laura Meckler DREAM TOWN: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity

2.22.24 Stay tuned for details!

3.23.24 Family Friendly Finale – Stay tuned for details!

*Event prices and times may vary, check specific event page for more information.

Invisible Soul – Carlo Wolff

Cover of Invisible Soul, Carlo Wolff

 

Join author Carlo Wolff in discussing Invisible Soul: Uncovering Cleveland’s Underground Soul Scene with us at the Cleveland History Center on Thursday, October 5th!

In a neighborhood of clubs, theaters and dives, Black club owners, entertainers and audiences found security and joy in the throb of some of America’s most authentic music. The scene was sweaty, smoky, and sexy. From dusk to dawn, across three decades, the streets swayed to the sound of soul. And then it was gone. Invisible Soul tells stories of a boisterous, ballsy, bawdy time when entertainers and audiences brought heart and soul to this corner of the city.

*Part of the 2023-2024 By the Book series.

Pricing Details:

Non-Member-

Purchase the book from us and get half price of 1 admission to this event and access to the virtual book presentation via code provided at checkout.

Member-

Purchase the book at 10% off from our gift shop, and get free admission to this event and virtual access to the book presentation free.

Members save 10% on all museum store purchases!

Interested in becoming a member?

9.28.23 William Krejci Lost Ghost Stories of Cleveland

10.5.23 Carlo Wolff Invisible Soul: Uncovering Cleveland’s Underground Soul Scene

1.18.24 Laura Meckler DREAM TOWN: Shaker Heights and the Quest for Racial Equity

2.22.24 Stay tuned for details!

3.23.24 Family Friendly Finale – Stay tuned for details!

*Event prices and times may vary, check specific event page for more information.

Talk & Tours: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

 

THIS TALK & TOUR: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Explore the Stokes Brothers exhibit on their early lives and careers and hear about the brothers’ lasting legacy in Cleveland and beyond.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today

Talk & Tours: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

 

THIS TALK & TOUR: The Stokes Brothers’ Legacy

Explore the Stokes Brothers exhibit on their early lives and careers and hear about the brothers’ lasting legacy in Cleveland and beyond.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today

Talk & Tours: Garret Morgan Invents

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

This Talk & Tour: Garret Morgan Invents

Do you know about Cleveland’s Civic-Minded inventor Garret Morgan? Learn about the man whose inventions helped a city and would shape a nation—despite intense racial discrimination.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today.

Talk & Tours: Garret Morgan Invents

Join us at 2:00pm every Wednesday and Saturday from June through August at the Cleveland History Center to enjoy highlights from some our favorite Cleveland stories followed by a short gallery tour to learn more about some of the real-life artifacts that inspired these programs!

FREE with museum admission; Members FREE.

This Talk & Tour: Garret Morgan Invents

Do you know about Cleveland’s Civic-Minded inventor Garret Morgan? Learn about the man whose inventions helped a city and would shape a nation—despite intense racial discrimination.

 

Interested in learning and hearing more about Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River or other fascinating pieces of Northeast history? Click here to book a Speaking of Cleveland program today.

NEW EXHIBIT OPENING: Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness

Explore the life of one of Cleveland’s most impactful community builders, Rev. Emmitt Theophilus Caviness. His move from Texas to Cleveland in 1961 brought him to the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church in Cleveland’s Glenville Community where he continues to marry social activism and spirituality today. Discover his role in the Civil Rights Movement, feel the power of his preaching and music, and learn about his dedication to family and community engagement.

 

Learn more about Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness: Church, Community, Cleveland here or by joining us for the ribbon cutting ceremony today at noon.

Black History on Tap: My Corner of Cleveland

Black History on Tap | My Corner of Cleveland

If you’re are interested in getting your students involved in History Day, contact us at historyday@wrhs.org or 216-721-5722 ext. 1503.

Location:
The Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

For many, a neighborhood is more than a place to live; it’s an extended family. Join us on February 10th, from 1-4pm, as we celebrate some of Cleveland’s historic African-American communities at the Cleveland History Center’s 2nd Annual Black History on Tap: My Corner of Cleveland. From Hough to Glenville, Central to Cudell, come examine the people and events that have shaped these cultural niches and connect with those who are forging their communities’ futures.​​

This event is being offered free of charge to local educators!  Learn more about our annual teacher appreciation professional development session, Cocktails & Curriculum, and reserve your spot today by clicking here.

 

Special thanks to our partners and sponsors:

—-   

       _