Giving
Why does local history matter in a global, STEM-focused world? The humanities are the cornerstone of our society, providing essential perspectives on the human experience, teaching us how to think critically, and connecting us to our shared past. Your contributions have allowed us to preserve invaluable objects, partner with community members on unique exhibitions, and revive educational programs for a transformed classroom. These initiatives have educated and entertained children and adults alike, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of Shaker Heights’ stories.
The support of our community has made all of this possible, and we are immensely grateful. However, to sustain and expand our efforts, we need your help. Whether you donate $25 (the cost to replace one gallery light) or $500 (the cost for AppleFest tables and chairs), your gift has a direct, positive impact on our programs, exhibitions, and preservation efforts. As we continue to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic, your support will empower us to reach even more people, encouraging them to explore the rich history of Shaker Heights and fostering a deeper sense of community pride in Northeast Ohio.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Shaker Historical Society today. By supporting the museum, you become a partner in preserving the heritage of our community and providing opportunities to learn from those who came before us. Together, we can continue to inspire curiosity, bridge divides, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of Shaker Heights.
Become a one-time or monthly sustaining donor at givebutter.com/shakerhistory
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Internships
We believe in offering paid internships to help make SHS a more equitable and practical option for students looking to gain hands-on experience at a small museum. You can help us grow our internship program by sponsoring an internship.
Shaker Historical Society host 1-2 interns per year to help current undergraduate and graduate students gain hands-on experience through resume-building projects. Our interns have developed physical and digital exhibits, completed important collections inventories and surveys, and organized our institutional archives, among other projects.
Questions? Contact director@shakerhistory.org
Exhibitions
Exhibitions require extensive time, labor, and supplies through research, physical preparation of the galleries, and installation. You can support high-quality exhibitions at SHS by sponsoring an exhibit to help offset resources devoted to each physical and digital exhibition.
Questions? Contact director@shakerhistory.org
Collections
SHS's collections span over 200 years and items number in the thousands. The majority of our collections are not inventoried or digitized, but we have made significant progress in recent years with intern and grant support. The best way to support collections is by sponsoring an internship or serving as a collections-focused grant match. Please contact collections@shakerhistory.org for more information about these opportunities.
Education
Educational support is needed on an ad hoc basis as SHS builds programs and strengthens relationships with both public and private schools through tours and classroom visits. Please contact education@shakerhistory.org for more information about current and upcoming opportunities, including our "Museum in a Box" program currently in development thanks to financial support from the Arminius Foundation.
Major Events
In 2022, we established the Shaker Soirée, a new summer fundraiser inspired by Gracious Gardens, and AppleFest, a revival of a 1990s fall festival. These continue to be our two major events each year with the goal of summer fundraising to financially support our mission and fall "friendraising" to connect with current and potential members and to grow our audience.
We continally seek corporate, family, and individual support to make these events possible. If you are interested in supporting the Shaker Soirée or AppleFest, please contact director@shakerhistory.org to learn more.