Upcoming Events

We evaluate events and programs on a case-by-case basis and may cancel or postpone upcoming events if we cannot ensure the safety of our visitors and staff due to COVID.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. If you missed a virtual program, please check our Facebook or YouTube pages for a recording!

To stay up-to-date on programs and events at the museum, please subscribe to our email newsletter!

2024 Programs & Events

Understanding and Maintaining Wood Windows and Doors

May 18, 2024 | 11am-2:30pm | Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join Shaker Historical Society and CC Restoration for Understanding and Maintaining Wood Windows and Doors, an interactive workshop for owners of old homes. In the morning, we'll explore the basics of door construction, learn to address common issues like binding and draftiness, and get hands-on experience installing spring bronze weatherstripping. In the afternoon, you'll gain insights into wood windows, including basics of construction, window types and styles, and how to address common wood window maintenance such as re-roping and glazing. 

Don't miss this chance to enhance your DIY skills and ensure your home's doors and windows are in top-notch condition! This session includes hands-on work and is restricted to participants ages 18 years old and older. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver upon check-in. Workshop registration is $40* and includes a small lunch from Shaker Heights caterer Bon Vivant. Register by May 16 to be included in our lunch order: bit.ly/SHSdoors

*SHS and OHC members, please email shakerhistory@shakerhistory.org for a discount code to save $10/person!

Members-Only Tour: Manifestation of Light

May 23, 2024* | 7-8pm | Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

*This event was rescheduled from May 16 due to water line repairs.

Shaker Historical Society and Ohio History Connection members are invited to attend a members-only tour of our current exhibition, Manifestation of Light, led by curator Jess Fijalkovich on Thursday, May 23 at 7:00pm. This guided tour provides an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Jess, who dedicated months to researching and collaborating with archivists and scholars nationwide to explore this unique perspective on the Shakers.

Inspired by the recent solar eclipse, Manifestation of Light: Exploring the Shakers' Celestial Inspiration delves into Shaker artwork, writing, and culture inspired by the sun, moon, and stars. From gift drawings to poetry to dance, the Shakers' relationship with celestial light and cosmic geometry is grounded in real-world skills and references, providing a captivating intersection of the heavens and earth.

Due to the size of our gallery, the tour is limited to 15 people. This is a free tour but registration is required. Current SHS or OHC members can contact education@shakerhistory.org for the registration link. If you are not currently a member, please consider joining or renewing today!

Empire Builders Book Launch with Lauren R. Pacini

June 6, 2024 | 7-8pm | Shaker Historical Society | SOLD OUT

**The book launch is sold out. To be added to the waitlist, please contact education@shakerhistory.org**

The Shaker Historical Society and Shaker Heights Public Library are proud to sponsor the launch of Empire Builders: An Illustrated History of the Rise and Fall of Cleveland’s Van Sweringen Brothers (Indiana University Press, 2024), the latest book from architectural photographer and local history author Lauren R. Pacini. The first biography of the Van Sweringen brothers in more than twenty years, Empire Builders shares the remarkable rise and fall of Oris P. and Mantis J. Sweringen, brothers born into poverty with a vision that holds a lasting legacy in Shaker Heights and Cleveland.

Join us on Thursday, June 6 at 7pm to hear author Lauren Pacini discuss the book, purchase a copy, and tour a new Lissauer Gallery exhibition featuring Pacini’s architectural photographs of Van Sweringen properties.

This is a free event at the Shaker Historical Society. Due to limited space, registration is required. Limited parking is available behind the museum with overflow parking along South Park Boulevard.

Empire Builders Public Reception and Exhibit Opening

June 6, 2024 | 8-9pm | Shaker Historical Society | OPEN TO ALL

The Shaker Historical Society and Shaker Heights Public Library are proud to sponsor the launch of Empire Builders: An Illustrated History of the Rise and Fall of Cleveland’s Van Sweringen Brothers, the latest book from architectural photographer and local history author Lauren R. Pacini. The first biography of the Van Sweringen brothers in more than twenty years, Empire Builders shares the remarkable rise and fall of Oris P. and Mantis J. Sweringen, brothers born into poverty with a vision that holds a lasting legacy in Shaker Heights and Cleveland.

Join us on Thursday, June 6 from 8-9pm at the Shaker Historical Society for a public reception to meet author Lauren Pacini, purchase a copy of Empire Builders, and tour a new Lissauer Gallery exhibition featuring Pacini’s architectural photographs of Van Sweringen properties.

The public reception and exhibit opening are free and open to all. Please email education@shakerhistory.org to be added to the waitlist for the Empire Builders book talk prior to the reception.

Limited parking is available behind the museum with overflow parking along South Park Boulevard. Please note that access to the exhibition in the second floor Lissauer Gallery requires navigation of stairs.

Bike Shaker: Welcome to Shaker Heights

June 15, 2024 | 10am-12pm | Meet at Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

The "Welcome to Shaker Heights" History Ride, our June tour, is a great introduction to Shaker Heights history. Led by experienced cyclists and an SHS tour guide, this tour will take place Saturday, June 15 from 10am-12pm and will visit historically significant sites around the city.

A helmet and waiver are required for each rider. Each tour is capped at 20 participants with a minimum of 5 participants. A rain date will be set if necessary. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for youth 17 and younger. Shaker Historical Society and Ohio History Connection members can save 50% on tickets by contacting education@shakerhistory.org for the discount code.

Don't have a bike? Borrow one (or more) of our 8 adult-size bikes for FREE on this guided tour (first come, first served).

A Museums for All discount is available to those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Please email education@shakerhistory.org for more information.

Bike Shaker: Public Art in Shaker Heights

August 10, 2024 | 10am-12pm | Meet at Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION COMING SOON

"Public Art in Shaker Heights," our August tour, highlights the work of the Shaker Arts Council (SHAC). Led by experienced cyclists and a SHAC tour guide, this tour will take place Saturday, August 10 from 10am-12pm and will visit public art around the city.

A helmet and waiver are required for each rider. Each tour is capped at 20 participants with a minimum of 5 participants. A rain date will be set if necessary. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for youth 17 and younger. Shaker Historical Society, Ohio History Connection, and Shaker Arts Council members can save 50% on tickets by contacting education@shakerhistory.org for the discount code.

Don't have a bike? Borrow one (or more) of our 8 adult-size bikes for FREE on this guided tour (first come, first served).

A Museums for All discount is available to those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits). Please email education@shakerhistory.org for more information.

Self-Guided Tours

If you are interested in learning about Shaker Heights on your own time, please download one of our driving or bike tours: