Cleveland History Center, Cleveland
The Cleveland History Center, located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, serves as the headquarters of the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS). This dynamic venue brings to life the rich history of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio through its diverse exhibits and extensive collections. Visitors can embark on a journey through time, starting from 1796 up to the present day, exploring artifacts such as the very first map of Cleveland and even LeBron James’ championship shoes.
The center comprises two main museums and a library, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s history. The History Museum provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Cleveland’s elite through tours of a 1911 mansion, while also shedding light on the contrasting experiences of the household’s servants. One of the museum's highlights is the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, which ranks among the nation’s top costume collections, displaying garments that span over two centuries, from the late 1700s to the present.
For automobile and aviation enthusiasts, the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum is a must-visit. It houses an impressive array of antique, vintage, and classic cars and aircraft, showcasing the evolution of transportation from early Model T’s to sleek modern Jaguars. The museum also hosts special exhibitions that delve into various aspects of life in the Western Reserve, capturing the social, cultural, and economic transformations of the region.
The center’s Library stands as a key repository for records, papers, and histories documenting the growth of Cleveland and the Western Reserve. It serves as a valuable resource for those researching family histories or exploring significant archival collections that cover topics such as urban development, African American history, ethnic heritage, Jewish culture, and labor movements.
Whether you’re a history buff, a car aficionado, or a curious visitor, the Cleveland History Center offers a compelling experience that brings the stories of Cleveland and its people to life.
The center comprises two main museums and a library, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s history. The History Museum provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Cleveland’s elite through tours of a 1911 mansion, while also shedding light on the contrasting experiences of the household’s servants. One of the museum's highlights is the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing, which ranks among the nation’s top costume collections, displaying garments that span over two centuries, from the late 1700s to the present.
For automobile and aviation enthusiasts, the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum is a must-visit. It houses an impressive array of antique, vintage, and classic cars and aircraft, showcasing the evolution of transportation from early Model T’s to sleek modern Jaguars. The museum also hosts special exhibitions that delve into various aspects of life in the Western Reserve, capturing the social, cultural, and economic transformations of the region.
The center’s Library stands as a key repository for records, papers, and histories documenting the growth of Cleveland and the Western Reserve. It serves as a valuable resource for those researching family histories or exploring significant archival collections that cover topics such as urban development, African American history, ethnic heritage, Jewish culture, and labor movements.
Whether you’re a history buff, a car aficionado, or a curious visitor, the Cleveland History Center offers a compelling experience that brings the stories of Cleveland and its people to life.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cleveland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Cleveland History Center on Map
Sight Name: Cleveland History Center
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Cleveland, USA (See walking tours in Cleveland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Cleveland, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cleveland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cleveland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Little Italy Walking Tour
Whether you’re new to the Cleveland area or a lifelong resident, there’s plenty to explore in the dynamic “Forest City.” And if you’ve never been to local Little Italy, you’re in for a treat. Apart from historical landmarks and delicious plates of pasta, in this lovely urban enclave you will find plenty of culture.
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
One of the neighborhood's central features is the Holy Rosary... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Museums in Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a rich cultural scene, with a variety of museums comprising some of the best in the American Mid-West, catering to a wide range of interests.
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Among these, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) stands out as a hub for modern and contemporary art enthusiasts. MOCA features thought-provoking exhibitions, showcasing the work of both emerging and established... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles
Cleveland Introduction Walking Tour
The City of Cleveland dates back to 1796 when the Connecticut Land Company laid out the area into a township. They named the new town after their leader, General Moses Cleaveland.
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
With its waterfront location, the city became a major center for trade and commerce over the next few decades. When the railroad arrived in the area in the mid-19th century, the town began to evolve into a central... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles