Preservation Month celebrates treasures of Cleveland Heights

Within our nation’s communities there are significant places that have contributed to the American experience. May has been designated National Preservation Month, and this year’s theme is "Celebrating America’s Treasures." This coming May, small towns and large cities will hold events that include architectural and historic tours, award ceremonies, fundraisers, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities.

Cleveland Heights is no exception, but one month just isn’t enough time to celebrate all of Cleveland Heights’s treasures. This year, CH’s Preservation Month will start early—in late April—and continue into June.

May 1 marked the official release date of the Cleveland Historical mobile app, developed by the Center for Public History and Digital Humanities at Cleveland State University, which features sites in Cleveland Heights. App sites highlight the history of some of the city’s most notable attractions, through photos, oral histories and short films. The app is available to iPhone and Droid users, and selected content will appear on the Cleveland Heights cable channel and website. Posters will be popping up in the coming months, highlighting important Cleveland Heights sites, such as Cain Park, Cumberland Pool and the Cedar Lee Theatre. Smartphone users can download the app at http://mobilehistorycleveland.org.

Preservation Month in Cleveland Heights will also be observed through several events. These are cosponsored by the Cleveland Heights Landmark Commission, FutureHeights and the Cleveland Heights Historical Society.

Space for these events is limited and reservations are required. For reservations, call 216-320-1423 or e-mail info@futureheights.org.

Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m. to noon
Walking Tour of Euclid Heights Allotment
Dr. Marian J. Morton, John Carroll history professor at John Carroll University and Cleveland Heights historian. Tour through one of Cleveland Heights’s earliest neighborhoods. Rain or shine, dress appropriately.
FREE. Meet at St. Alban Episcopal Church, 2555 Euclid Heights Boulevard.

Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to noon
Walking tour of Shaker Farm Neighborhood
Mary Dunbar, resident and advocate for the nomination of the Shaker Farm neighborhood to the National Register of Historic Places.
A brief lecture on the neighborhood’s history, followed by a tour of the neighborhood to learn about his architectural significance.
FREE. Meet at First Church Christ Scientist, 3181 Fairmount Boulevard.

Thursday, June 23, 7 p.m.
History of Grant Deming’s Forest Hill
Korbi Roberts, independent historian, and Dr. J. Mark Souther, associate professor of history at CSU.
Superior Schoolhouse, 14391 Superior Road; Parking at the schoolhouse is limited to the elderly or those with disabilities. Parking for all others is at the Cumberland Park parking lot.
Learn about the property’s early history and Deming’s development of the area into the residential neighborhood it is today.

Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m.
Walking Tour of Lake View Cemetery highlighting famous Cleveland Heights residents
Deanna Bremer Fisher, local history buff and executive director of FutureHeights.
Meet at the Garfield Monument in Lakeview Cemetery. Cost is $7 per person and registration is required. Call 216-421-2687 to register.
Enjoy a stroll through the cemetery to learn about some of the famous people who once resided in Cleveland Heights and now make their final home at Lake View. Visit the monuments of Dr. George Crile, John L. Severance, Adella Prentiss Hughes, Elliot Ness and others.