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Upcoming Programs & Events
Artist Talk: Charles Mintz
April 24 | 5:30-7:00pm | Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Join the Shaker Historical Society for an artist talk with photographer Charles Mintz as he shares insights into his creative process and the story behind History is Messy, on view now in the museum's Lissauer Gallery. History is Messy explores Andrew Carnegie’s complex legacy and captures the enduring value of historic Carnegie Libraries by photographing 125 libraries across 12 states and one Canadian province. Each image features a librarian holding a favorite book, highlighting the human connection and dedication that continue to define these spaces.
Charles' talk will be followed by a Q&A and opportunity to view History is Messy. This is a free event at the Shaker Historical Society, but registration is required due to limited space. Limited parking is available behind the museum with overflow parking along South Park Boulevard. Please note that access to the exhibition in the second-floor Lissauer Gallery requires navigation of stairs.
History is Messy in on view through June 1 and is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
2025 Annual Meeting
April 27 | 1:30-2:30pm | Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED
You're invited to the Shaker Historical Society's Annual Meeting—a celebration of another wonderful year at SHS and the incredible members who make our work possible. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and generosity!
The afternoon will begin with a presentation from our Executive Director, Brianna Treleven, followed by an open Q&A session. This is a great opportunity to hear highlights from the past year and learn about what's on the horizon. Following the presentation, the Board of Trustees will hold a board meeting, and guests are welcome to stay and observe.
Enjoy light brunch fare, connect with fellow members, and get an exclusive sneak peek of this year’s plans for the Shaker Soirée—our signature annual fundraiser. We can't wait to share what’s in store!
This event will take place at the Shaker Historical Museum, located at 16740 South Park Blvd. Attendance is free, but due to limited capacity, registration is required to secure your spot.
Mother's Day Tea Party
May 10 | 11:00am-12:00pm | Shaker Historical Society | TICKETS REQUIRED
The Shaker Historical Society requests the pleasure of your company for tea and cakes on Saturday, May 10 at 11:00am! Our Fifth Annual Mother’s Day Tea Party is a joyful celebration of loving caregivers and their children, featuring a delightful morning of tea, treats, and togetherness. Guests will enjoy a variety of teas and other beverages, individual bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, coloring pages, activities, flowers, music, and plenty of fun. We encourage everyone to dress in their fanciest or most fun tea party attire to add to the festive spirit.
The tea party will be held at the museum, located at 16740 South Park Boulevard. Registration is just $15 per table, with each table accommodating up to four guests. For groups larger than four, please purchase additional tables to ensure everyone has a seat. Museum members are invited to attend for free!
Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
Learn more on our Upcoming Events page!
Current Exhibits
History is Messy — March 7 - June 1, 2025
Between 1883 and 1929, Andrew Carnegie funded 2,500 “Carnegie Libraries,” 1,700 in the United States. He required local support for the libraries but not much else. It amounted to over a billion dollars in today’s funds. Carnegie was an emblem of the Gilded Age and a ruthless businessman. Here we are roughly a century later and, arguably, are in yet a second gilded age. Most of these libraries are still in use - in cities and very small towns. Although a great deal has changed, when you go into these places, a great deal is the same. Children still listen to stories. It is a safe and comfortable place. There are still books, though there are computers, the Internet, audiobooks, and a full spectrum of contemporary media. Librarians are there to recommend and to assist in research. The public value of these places is palpable. You can feel it.
The project includes 125 libraries in 12 states and one province. In each image, there is a librarian with a favorite book. The upcoming viewing of History is Messy highlights selections from this body of work, including photographs of Cleveland-area Carnegie libraries. This exhibit is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
Shaker Sells — March 7 - August 10, 2025
In the 19th century, the Shaker name signified quality through the brooms, furniture, seeds, and medicinal herbs that sustained their communities. After the decline of Cleveland’s North Union Village, the Van Sweringen brothers repurposed Shaker imagery to market Shaker Heights as an idyllic escape from industrial Cleveland. Their exclusive suburb contradicted Shaker values, yet the romanticized image of a “peaceful Shaker village” fueled the city’s growth and remains a lasting brand to today.
Shaker Sells is co-curated by Cleveland State University student Elliot Rendall and is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.
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