The Shaker Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1947 to provide stewardship for our region's significant history by nurturing respectful discovery, preservation, collection, and public dissemination of the history, traditions, and heritage of the North Union Shaker sect, Warrensville Township, Shaker Heights, and the surrounding areas.
In 2022, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Shaker Historical Society and the 200th anniversary of the North Union Shaker Village. Learn more about exhibits, programs, and events honoring these milestone anniversaries on our 75 Years page.
Applefest
October 1, 2022 | 12-4pm | Shaker Historical Society
SAVE THE DATE: Come celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Shaker Historical Society and the 200th Anniversary of the North Union Shakers at Applefest! Applefest is a historic event for SHS, held annually from 1989-1998.
This year’s fall, family-friendly event will be held on Saturday, October 1st from 12 pm to 4pm. All ages are welcome to attend!
Applefest will feature crafts and educational activities for kids, craft demonstrations from local artists, an animal presentation from the North Chagrin Nature Center, Shaker Dance performances, a history tour, food and fall-themed drinks, and more!
Upcoming Programs & Events
10th Annual Take to the Lake
August 27, 2022 | 10am-4pm | Lower Shaker Lake
Doan Brook Watershed Partnership will host the 10th Annual Take to the Lake on Saturday, August 27. Join us for an afternoon of paddling, guided hikes, yoga, and live music along the banks of historic Lower Shaker Lake, and stop by the Shaker Historical Society table for a family-friendly activity and information about upcoming programs and events!
Canoeing on the Shaker Lakes used to be a popular pastime in the first half of the 20th century but public boating is no longer promoted on the lakes. Take to the Lake gives participants a chance to resurrect this recreational opportunity for a day and to gain a different perspective of the lakes and its place in our watershed.
May We Ever Be United: Music of the North Union Shakers with Roger Lee Hall
September 8, 2022 | 7-8:30pm | Shaker Heights Public Library
Take a journey back in time to when the original Shakers settled in this area which later became Shaker Heights. They had their first public meeting in September of 1822 and established their community which they called North Union. Two hundred years later, you are invited to learn about these early Shakers and their music with messages of unity and hope and to enjoy some singing of Shaker tunes. One of their members, Philander Curtis Cramer, expressed it with these opening words: “May we ever be united, with this little happy band, Who are trav'ling unto Zion, all united heart and hand.”
Join us at the Shaker Heights Public Library on Thursday, September 8 at 7pm to learn about the music of these North Union Shakers “all united heart and hand.” Registration is available at events.shakerlibrary.org/event/9327552. This program is presented in partnership with the Shaker Heights Public Library with support from Friends of the Shaker Library.
About the Speaker: Roger Lee Hall is a music preservationist now living in Massachusetts and currently Director of the Center for American Music Preservation (CAMP). He has researched and written about Shaker music for 50 years. He has compiled 20 collections and also produced these CDs with Shaker music: "Celestial Praises," "Gentle Words" and "My Shaker Home." His Ph.D dissertation at Case Western Reserve University in the 1970s was on North Union Shaker music and was later published by PineTree Press. For his work in preserving American music he has been listed in Who's Who in America.
Bike Shaker: North Union Shakers
September 11, 2022** | 11am-1pm | Shaker Historical Society
In 2022, we are honoring the 200th anniversary of the North Union Shaker Village! The North Union Shakers ride, our July tour, is a great introduction to the Shaker religious sect and North Union Community. This tour, led by experienced bicyclists, will take place September 11 and will visit significant sites around the city.
A helmet and waiver are required for each rider. Participants are welcome to tour the museum after the ride! This tour is capped at 15 participants with a minimum of 5 participants.
**This ride was rescheduled from the original July date due to weather.
See additional events on our Upcoming Events page!
Current & Upcoming Exhibits
Threaded History: The Art of AAQDG — June 10 - August 21, 2022
Threaded History: The Art of AAQDG celebrates the work of African American Quilt and Doll Guild members who tell the stories of their lives, joy, history, healing, and families through their art. Formed in 2006, this group of quilters and doll-makers share their work, ideas, and talents in a comfortable and caring atmosphere; explore their African-American heritage with respect to the textile arts; and teach and inspire each other.
A Pictorial History — April 15 - August 28, 2022
Part of our 75th anniversary celebration, A Pictorial History: Photographs from the Shaker Historical Society Collection highlights photographs collected throughout our history. Visit the museum’s Lissauer Gallery to view a pictorial representation of Shaker Heights in bygone times.