Founded in 1947, the Shaker Historical Society collects, preserves, and interprets the history of Shaker Heights to inspire curiosity and foster engagement between diverse communities and the people, events, and stories that shape local history.

Upcoming Programs & Events

Progress in Motion: Equity & Inclusion in Shaker Heights

August 9, 2025 | 10am-12pm | Meet at Shaker Historical Society | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, join the Shaker Historical Society this summer for an engaging look at the city’s complex racial history. Our 2025 Bike Shaker tour, Progress in Motion: Equity & Inclusion in Shaker Heights, offers an active and thoughtful introduction to local history while highlighting historically significant sites connected to racial equity and inclusion.

Led by experienced bicyclists, the tour will take place on Saturday, August 9 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Riders of all levels are welcome.

Helmets and signed waivers are required for all participants. The tour is capped at 20 participants with a minimum of 5 participants. A rain date will be scheduled if necessary. Tickets are $16 for adults and $6 for youth ages 17 and under. Shaker Historical Society and Ohio History Connection members can save 50% on tickets by contacting education@shakerhistory.org for a discount code.

Need a bike? We also have 8 adult-sized bikes available to borrow for FREE on this guided tour, but they must be selected during registration to ensure availability.

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

Lower Lake Hike with Dr. Roy Larick & Shaker Historical Society

August 23, 2025 | 11:30am-1:00pm | Lower Lake | REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Join Dr. Roy Larick (Bluestone Conservation) and the Shaker Historical Society for a 90-minute interpretive hike around Lower Shaker Lake. Learn how Doan Brook emerged with the retreat of the last glacier 14,000 years ago. Comprehend the evolution of the native forest as snowbelt conditions came to the East Side Heights some 4,000 years ago. Take in the transformations brought about by Shaker milling nearly 200 years ago and by suburban development already 100 years in passing. Gain insight on the management choices we face as temperature and rainfall increase, and as alien plants and animals come to displace the natives. How can Doan Brook help us live more equitably with each other and with local nature?

This free hike is offered as part of Doan Brook Watershed Partnership's annual Take to the Lake event. Learn more about the day's activities at doanbrookpartnership.org/event/take-to-the-lake.

Shaker Soirée: Gala in the Grove

September 26, 2025 | 7-10pm | Shaker Historical Society | TICKETS COMING SOON

SAVE THE DATE! Join the Shaker Historical Society for our 4th Annual Shaker Soirée! Inspired by SHS's first social event, a community garden party in 1948, we are thrilled to invite you to an evening filled with live music, an autumn-inspired menu, and seasonal drinks among our historic apple trees. Our Gala in the Grove kicks off a celebration of fall and is followed by our annual AppleFest community festival.

AppleFest

September 27, 2025 | 12-4pm | Shaker Historical Society | FREE

SAVE THE DATE! Join our 4th Annual AppleFest, a day of history, culture, and fall harvest fun for all ages! Enjoy live music, craft demonstrations, seasonal refreshments, walking tours, and family-friendly activities in a celebration of the season.

Learn more on our Upcoming Events page!

Current Exhibit

Shaker Sells — March 7 - August 10, 2025

In the 19th century, the Shaker name signified quality through the brooms, furniture, seeds, and medicinal herbs that sustained their communities. After the decline of Cleveland’s North Union Village, the Van Sweringen brothers repurposed Shaker imagery to market Shaker Heights as an idyllic escape from industrial Cleveland. Their exclusive suburb contradicted Shaker values, yet the romanticized image of a “peaceful Shaker village” fueled the city’s growth and remains a lasting brand to today.

Shaker Sells is co-curated by Cleveland State University student Elliot Rendall and is supported in part by residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture.

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