Western Reserve Historical Society

History in the Western Reserve

The oldest cultural institution in Northeast Ohio, the Western Reserve Historical Society helps visitors find their personal story in its exhibits and archives.

The Western Reserve Historical Society was founded in 1867, making it the oldest cultural institution in Northeast Ohio. The University Circle location includes permanent exhibits on the history of northeastern Ohio, decorative arts and costumes, the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, an interactive family gallery, along with the fully restored Grand Carousel from Euclid Beach Park. In the 1960s, the society began focusing on the diversity of the region, with specific programs on the African-American, Jewish, Italian, Irish and LBGT communities. This has made the historical society an excellent resource for 20th century social and urban history.

The research library and archives offer extensive collections of published and unpublished works, as well as outstanding genealogy resources.