Visit the Western Reserve Historical Society and admire the original fittings and furnishings of two of Cleveland’s old mansions. See stylish cars in the area dedicated to Cleveland’s history as a leading producer of automobiles or learn about the fashions of the past in the extensive costume exhibit. There are child-friendly activities too.
The Western Reserve Historical Society was established in 1867 and has grown out to become one of the largest societies of its kind in the United States. The society began to base itself in two 19th-century mansions, known as Hay-McKinney House and Bingham-Hanna House, in 1940. It has remained in there ever since and the museum is one of the city’s most valuable historical resources.
Explore the mansions’ decorative fittings and furnishings. Particularly impressive are the back staircase and ornate dining room areas in the Hay-McKinney House. Free guided tours explain more about the history of the buildings.
Visit the Chisholm Halle Costume Wing to see the exhibition of clothes from as far back as the 18th century to the present day. The collection boasts over 40,000 items and the public display regularly changes.
Car enthusiasts will love the chance to visit the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum located within the houses. Browse over 150 examples from Cleveland’s past as a car and plane manufacturing city. Of particular interest is the first Delorean ever made and an 1897 Panhard Levassor, which was the first enclosed car to hit the market.
Let younger children play and learn in the Kidzibits Family Education Center and Backyard of History.
The society also has a café, gift shop and interesting temporary exhibits. The library is open from Thursday to Saturday and contains an extensive collection of local records.
The Western Reserve Historical Society in University Circle is open daily, except Mondays, Sunday mornings and major public holidays. The area is served by buses and rapid trains. There is a fee to park in the museum lot. Children get a discount on the admission price. Tours are included and usually run in the afternoons.
