FAQ About Events at the History Center
Can I rent the Museum for my private event?
Yes! Western Reserve Historical Society can accommodate all types of events, from large scale corporate functions, to weddings, to bar and bat mitzvahs, family and class reunions, or anniversaries. If you want to throw a party, it can happen here!
What spaces are available for my event?
Choose from a variety of flexible spaces throughout the museum, including:
- Crawford Rotunda & Lower Gallery
- Reinberger Gallery
- Hassler Meeting Room
- Learning Space
- Community Conference Room
- Hanna Library
- Bingham-Hanna Reception Hall
- Hanna Courtyard Garden
- Norton Gallery
- Hay-McKinney House & Garden
What are the hours/days available?
The museum spaces are available for rent any time of day based on first come, first serve availability. Daytime rentals are defined as events held during normal museum hours – Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm or Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 pm. Evening rentals are those scheduled any time on Monday or after 5:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
What does a rental cost?
Rental rates vary based on space reserved, time of event, and final guest count. Consult with the Sales Manager for pricing and availability. Email sales@wrhs.org or call 216-721-5722 x1405.
What does the rental fee include?
Rental fee includes space reserved, use of tables and chairs, and security. Parking is also included for after hours events.
How and when may I secure my date for my event?
As available, space can be reserved as late as two weeks prior to the event date. A signed rental agreement and 50% deposit is required to reserve the space.
What forms of payment are accepted for my event?
- WRHS accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Checks should be payable to Western Reserve Historical Society.
Do I have to use one of the caterers from the preferred list of caterers?
Yes, you must choose one of the following caterers.
A Taste of Excellence
Chris Winter: 440-845-0800
www.taste-food.com
chris.winter@taste-food.com
Devring’s Catering
Margie Devring: 216-251-1901
www.devringscatering.com
devringscatering@sbcglobal.net
Executive Caterers
Moya Donnelly: 440-449-0700
www.executivecaterers.com
moya@executivecaterers.com
Catering by Fire
Doug Katz 216-921-3473 ext 148
http://firefoodanddrink.com/catering-by-fire
Marigold Catering
Joan Rosenthal 216-566-5400
www.marigoldcatering.com
inquiries@marigoldcatering.com
Normandy Catering
Pam King 440-585-5850
www.normandycatering.com
pamk@normandycatering.com
Totally Cooked Inc.
330-923-9964
www.totallycooked.com
sales@totallycooked.com
What do the caterers provide, and do I contact them directly?
Your caterer will provide all food and beverages, except alcohol, for your event. They will also take care of any linen or other rentals that you will need.
Can I bring in my own alcohol?
WRHS is licensed to sell alcohol. All beer, wine, and liquor needs will be purchased from WRHS. The bartender, ice, glasses, and non-alcoholic beverages will be arranged through your caterer.
Am I allowed to decorate the space?
Decorations must be setup and taken down within the contracted hours. Additional hours for decorating may be available at an additional fee and must be reserved with WRHS in advance.
You may not use nails, tape, staples, or items that could cause damage to WRHS facilities. All decorations and signs must be free standing and removed from the premises at the end of your event. Live greenery and floral arrangements must be removed from the building immediately following the event to avoid bug infestation. Flames are not permitted under any circumstances. Battery-operated candles work well in lieu of flames. Smoke, fog or haze producing equipment is not permitted.
Throwing of rice, birdseed, glitter, confetti, etc. is not permitted anywhere on WRHS premises (inside or outside).
Where are my guests allowed to park, and how many spaces are available?
There are 100 spaces available in the WRHS parking lot. Space is $5 per car for daytime rentals. Parking is included with the cost of evening rentals. WRHS can assist to identify additional parking, if notified in advance.
May I store materials for my event?
All rented items must be broken down and removed from WRHS at the conclusion of your event. WRHS must approve, in advance, any alternate rental item pick up times and arrangements for storage until items are removed from premises. Event rental items may not remain on the premises more than 48 hours following an event.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are not refunded for cancellations within 30 days of the scheduled event. Deposits will be refunded, less a 15% service charge, for cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of the scheduled event only if the facility is rebooked on the same event date and for at least the same number of people.
Can my guests smoke?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside WRHS facilities including the gardens. Smoking is permitted only outside of the facilities. Smokers must use provided receptacles for ashes and cigarette/cigar butts.
Can I set up my own tables and chairs?
The caterer is responsible for setup and teardown. In the case of non-catered events, WRHS will charge client $250 for event set up and tear down.
The earliest time of caterer admission to WRHS for set up for a daytime event is 8:00 am. The earliest time of caterer admission to WRHS for set up for an evening event is 3:00 pm. Earlier arrival times can be arranged in advance.
Please understand that WRHS is, first and foremost, a museum and library. Floor plans and available event space may change with the implementation of WRHS exhibits and programs.
WRHS owns a number of tables and chairs which are available to clients at no additional charge. Alternative or additional tables and chairs may be rented at your expense.
Who is responsible for cleaning?
The caterers and vendors are responsible to clean thoroughly, within two hours of the conclusion of the event. This includes complete removal of all trash from the WRHS premises in appropriate trash liners provided by caterer.
Can my guests tour the museum?
Your guests will have access to view the exhibits within your rented space. You can book a museum docent to provide guided tours during your event for an additional fee. Fees will vary based on tour times and staffing requirements.
Consult with the Sales Manager for pricing and availability. Email sales@wrhs.org or call 216-721-5722 x1405.
