About Us

Mission

The Shaker Historical Society's mission is to provide stewardship for our region's significant history by nurturing respectful discovery, preservation, collection, and public dissemination of the history, traditions, and heritage of the Shaker sect, Shaker Heights, Warrensville Township, and surrounding area.

Introduction

The Shaker Historical Society and Museum was founded in 1947 to preserve and promote the history of the North Union Shaker Community and Shaker Heights , one of the nation's model "garden city" suburbs and on the National Register of Historic Places. It operates a Museum with a collection of over 1,700 objects, a library and archive with primary and secondary materials, conducts school tours and organizes a wide variety of programs. Located on the site of the former North Union Shaker Colony, it is one of twelve stops on the National Shaker Heritage Trail and one of 62 properties administered by The Ohio Historical Society.

The Society's collection, exhibits, programs, events and activities revolve around this historic legacy. In 1956, once the Society had amassed a collection, it set up a permanent exhibit in a local elementary school. By 1970, the collection had grown significantly, and it was moved to its current location, a 1910 Prairie/Tudor style residential house, one of the earliest structures of the then new " Shaker Heights Village ." Designed by architect Daniel A. Reamer (1871-1926) for Louis and Blanche Myers, it was donated to the state of Ohio for use of The Shaker Historical Society by their son, Frank A. Myers. Today, it serves visitors from around the world, nation and region including students, scholars and those seeking to connect with local history.

Board of Trustees

• Ann Cicarella, President
• George Cannon, Administrative VP
• Anthony M. Gentile, Treasurer
• Keith Arian, Secretary
• David Bernatowicz
• Sean Brown
• Janet Everett
• Lavita Ewing
• Donna Fallon
• Marty Gates
• Carol Z. Gobel
• D. Richard Hannan
• Maria Heckaman
• Elizabeth Hoag
• Adrienne Kirby
• Jacqueline Joseph-Silverstein
• Mark Lewine
• Linda Lissauer
• Anthony Lockhart
• Raymond Rackley
• Margaret Ransohoff
• Lee Sattelmeyer
• Robin Schachat
• Donita Singerman

Trustee Emeriti

• Mary Lou Conlin
• Alexander B. Cook
• Mary Alice Horner
• John Katzenmeyer
• David K. Nachman
• Irene Pekoc
• Norma Rodgers
• Robert Spurney
• Robert Taylor
• Carl Withers

Affiliate Trustees

• Meghan Hays
• Kay Carlson

Staff

• John Klassen, Executive Director
• Patty Cogan, Office Manager