Dear Friends,

At Western Reserve Historical Society, the health and safety of WRHS’s community of staff, board members, volunteers, guests, independent contractors, and vendors remain our number one priority. We remain committed to following all recommended guidelines from the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, State of Ohio, Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Due to the recent escalation of coronavirus cases in Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health’s Stay At Home Advisory, and to protect the safety and well-being of WRHS and the communities we serve, we will temporarily close the Cleveland History Center to the public today at 5pm until further notice.

This change affects all public operations at the Cleveland History Center (CHC), WRHS’s main campus and headquarters in University Circle, Cleveland. All WRHS administrative functions will continue without interruption. Hale Farm & Village, WRHS’s living history museum in Bath, will be open for seasonal outdoor activities. Please visit www.wrhs.org for more information.

For nearly 154 years, WRHS has maintained its commitment to preserving and inspiring people to discover American and northeast Ohio history. Decisions like this are not made lightly, and after many thoughtful conversations among the staff, board, and trusted partners & stakeholders, WRHS determined that suspending public access to the Cleveland History Center is the most responsible action we can take under the circumstances.

The Cuyahoga County Stay at Home Advisory issued November 18, 2020 supplements existing statewide orders through a data-driven framework to help reduce the virus’s spread and engage and empower individuals, businesses, communities, local governments, and others in their response and actions. As such, it is recommended that individuals leave home only for supplies and services. Please visit https://www.ccbh.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/CCBH-SAH-resolution-11.18.20.pdf to read the full Cuyahoga County Board of Health Resolution.

While the Cleveland History Center is closed, the public is invited to continue engaging with us online @clestartshere. Guests will find access to our region’s stories and your history through our social media platforms. Please visit our website regularly at www.wrhs.org for an updated list of programs and events. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional updates.

As WRHS continues to follow all guidelines recommended by the CDC, federal, state and local health agencies, and comply with State of Ohio and local official mandates we appreciate your continued support and flexibility. WRHS will continue to evaluate our current plans and will continue to keep you appropriately informed.

Please check back often for the most up to date information about event and program schedules.

Since March, WRHS has continued to present unique experiences and scholarship through its all new History@Home , an online portal of resources, activities and curriculum for K-12 students, teachers and families, and fun, virtual experiences including gallery tours and exhibits, lecture series, driving tours, blogs, book discussions, how-to videos, and more.

Make Your Voice Heard!

WRHS is collecting stories and materials to document the experiences of Northeast Ohioans’ activism and with the coronavirus. This ‘rapid response collecting’ allows WRHS to document history as it happens, giving voice to people in our region, and preserving those stories for future generations. WRHS is nationally renowned for its diversity of collections, and stories from the community allow us to preserve and share history balanced with a variety of perspectives. To learn more and share a story, visit our website: HERE.