Ruth has been the Executive Director of the Chagrin History Center since August 2018. Born and raised on the west side of Cleveland, Ruth made the most east and now lives in Geauga County. She has a BA in History from Hiram College and a MA in History with specialization in Museum Studies from Cleveland State University. Ruth has worked at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, American Cancer Society in both the Cleveland and Akron offices, and at the Shaker … Read More
Marnie finds the Chagrin History Center an amazing place to work and feels grateful to be a part of it. She has done a number of things at the museum, which currently includes coordinating with other staff members on projects such as exhibits and events. Marnie’s responsibilities within this range from identifying and sourcing objects to photographing and cataloguing them. Her favorite aspect of working at the Chagrin History Center is working with everyone here and carrying out everything that … Read More
Pat, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, has been a member of the Chagrin History Center since 1972 – 52 years! She has served on various committees during that time and has a working knowledge if many aspects of the museum. As Curator, Pat is tasked with keeping track of items donated to the museum as well as serving as chairperson of the Collection Committee in which she works ‘hand in glove’ with the Museum’s archivists. Pat is also responsible … Read More
Maddie is a recent graduate from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a BFA in Art History and Costume Design. After moving home from San Francisco, she began interning at the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum in August of 2021. She works primarily with the Textiles Collection, organizing and documenting the Museum’s vast collection of historical garments. A new adventure ensues each day working in the textiles room, from preserving glamorous 1920s shoes to researching elaborate … Read More
Ken serves as the Chagrin History Center’s Facilities Manager and on its Board of Trustees. He was heavily involved with the restoration and renovation of 87 East Washington Street after the museum moved there from the Shute Building at 21 Walnut Street in 2015. Outside of the Chagrin History Center, Ken is part of the Village Council and Chagrin Valley Jaycees. In his spare time, Ken enjoys working on his 1910 Buick Model 10 and 1966 Mustang convertible.
John’s first career was as an educator. He taught 1st grade at Orange, worked as a school psychologist for the East Shore Regional Resource Center and for 20 years, was a school psychologist for Mayfield Schools. For 6 years he taught a course for CSU entitled, Working With Parents of Exceptional Children. His second career was as a volunteer. For 15 years John was active as a trustee for the CFHS Alumni Association serving on the Scholarship and Athletic HOF … Read More
Carolyn first volunteered as a member of the Program Committee in 2001. When she mentioned to Scrap Zalba, past President, that her expertise was in accounting, he quickly handed over the checkbook! With her experience as an auditor in the not-for-profit world, Carolyn was Treasurer from 2002-2023. She enjoys the pursuit of the unaccounted-for dollar as well as other tasks assigned to her. Carolyn was President of the Board of Trustees in 2024, helping to shepherd the History Center through … Read More
Hats, jewelry, and purses, oh my! The Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum’s new exhibit “Finishing Touches: The Story of Wardrobe Accessories” opens March 19th and will run through June 18th (Now Extended through September 3rd). Come wander through our stylish exhibit where we’ll take you back in time to a world filled to the brim with men, women, and children’s unique adornments and fabulous frills. Admission to the museum is free and we are open Thursday 2-7, and Friday-Saturday … Read More
The Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum is pleased to announce that we have received a $3,700 grant from the Ohio History Connection which will allow us to digitize years 1894 through 1903 of The Exponent. We previously received this grant to digitize years 1874 through 1893. The Exponent, was the sole newspaper for Chagrin Falls and surrounding communities in eastern Cuyahoga, western Geauga, and northern Portage Counties from 1874–1899. This grant will make The Exponent widely available to researchers … Read More
Are you taking a required minimum distribution from your IRA this year? If you are age 70 ½ you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum and reduce your taxes. Benefits of a QCD:• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum• Satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year• Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions … Read More
Your gift will make a meaningful difference. While 2021 was another challenging pandemic year, we have much to celebrate. We have been blessed by your generosity this year through donations and volunteer time! We would not be the small, but mighty organization we are today without all of your efforts. Together we can do even more in 2022. Your year-end gift and membership will make a difference. The Chagrin Falls Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization supported by donations, grants, … Read More
Join the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum at our annual Holiday Open House, December 11th 1-5pm. Enjoy refreshments, holiday cheer, and Christmas music! This is a family friendly event; kids are invited to decorate the Christmas tree in our Bo Burr Community Room. In the spirit of the holidays, we will be collecting donations to the Chagrin Valley Little Theater which was hit so hard during the pandemic. When you donate you will be entered into a raffle for … Read More
Check out our latest exhibit in the rotating exhibit gallery at the Chagrin Falls Historical Society & Museum. “Unveiling the Unseen” shows you the hidden treasures from the basement of the museum. Many of these items have rarely, if ever, been on display due to their size or fragility. This exhibit will run from October 23, 2021, through January 29, 2022. Admission to the museum is free but donations are appreciated. During this exhibit you will see a few “Help … Read More
Here is a link to Don’s obituary During our staff meeting on Tuesday while we were celebrating Kerry’s first day at work, we spent a lot time talking about Don. We shared memories of this amazing man who always had stories about growing up in Chagrin Falls. He knew everything. He was sweet, funny, and so smart! We are so grateful for everything he contributed to the Historical Society through his research, stories, and his presence in our building was … Read More
UPDATE: The 5pm tours are SOLD OUT! Chagrin Falls Historical Society presents: SPIRITS ALIVE! At Evergreen Hill Cemetery Join us for our fourth annual Spirits Alive! Evergreen Hill Cemetery tour. You will be guided to seven graves in the cemetery. At each grave, you will meet the spirit who lives there and hear their story! While this is an annual event, the spirits who come out to talk to you are different each year! This year you will hear stories … Read More