Author: Maggie Wilson

On November 15, 1949, members met for the first (official) meeting of the Chagrin Falls Historical Society to accept a gift of $25 from Mr. & Mrs. Neil Hoskins, who also donated a “marker for Harriett N. Bliss” which was found in the tree lawn of their home on S. Franklin St. This marker, or headstone, was the first object the Historical Society accepted into their collection. Membership dues at this first meeting were reported to be $1 for a … Read More

Join us for our annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 1-3pm at Chagrin History Center, 87 E. Washington St. This year’s theme is “A Vintage Holiday” and we’ll be celebrating the holidays in 1940s style. The Chagrin Falls Historical Society (now Chagrin History Center) was founded in 1949, and so to close out our year long celebration of our 75th anniversary we will be adding vintage decorations to our exhibit “It Takes A Village: 75 Years … Read More

This year, we have celebrated 75 years as the Historical Society in Chagrin Falls. Over the past 75 years, we have had a large number of incredibly dedicated volunteers and staff who have contributed to the preservation of Chagrin Falls history. Our new exhibit, “It Takes A Village: 75 Years of Collecting” celebrates the individuals who have helped us grow. In particular, we highlight the donors who chose to save artifacts of Chagrin Falls history, and donate them so that … Read More

The Chagrin History Center’s Vision is to inform and inspire residents, businesses, organizations, and community leaders through education and outreach so that all will make decisions respectful of the community’s history. We have more of our story to tell… … and the next chapter begins with envisioning the Chagrin History Center Campus. Be A Part of Our Story Please consider a donation using the Donate button below, OR send a check to Chagrin History Center, P.O.Box 515, Chagrin Falls, OH … Read More

This event is SOLD OUT!! Thank you to everyone for your generosity! Join Chagrin History Center on Saturday, September 21, 2024 from 6:00-10:00pm for The Diamond Gala! Help us celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, 75 years collecting and preserving Chagrin Falls history! We are incredibly grateful to serve the Chagrin Falls community every day. The Chagrin History Center plays a vital role in village life and serves the Chagrin Valley through education and community outreach. We rely on your generosity and … Read More

7/5 Day is a one-day only, online fundraiser to celebrate Chagrin History Center’s 75th anniversary! On Friday July 5th, we are asking for donations having to do with the number 75. For example, you could donate $75, $7.50, $750, or even 75₵! Or, if you’re feeling rambunctious, you can multiply 7 x 5 and donate $35, add them and donate $12, subtract them and donate $2, etc., etc. Donations help fund educational programs for Chagrin Falls schools, public presentations, community … Read More

The Chagrin History Center’s summer tours have returned! The Guided Walking Tour will take participants around the Downtown Historic District where they will be told the story of many historic structures. These tours will be Saturdays in June through September. Tickets are $10 for members of the Historical Society, and $15 for non-members; payments can be made online here. Tour goers meet their tour guide at the Bandstand in Triangle Park. Please contact us at 440-247-4695 for more information.  2024 Walking Tour Schedule May 18– 10:00 am … Read More

Program presented by John Bourisseau Join Historian John Bourisseau on Sunday, March 3 at 2:00pm at Township Hall as he looks at the more humorous side of Chagrin Falls in Bill Watterson’s early work, published in the Chagrin Valley Herald from 1976 to 1979. Bill Watterson is famous for his playful comic Calvin and Hobbes, in syndication from 1985 to 1995, but it is his earlier career that is of particular interest to us. Watterson’s early comics often centered around … Read More

Experience life in the pioneer days! Join the Chagrin History Center for Pioneer Day, February 24 from 11:00 to 3:00.  Have you ever wondered what life was like in the 1800s? Want to learn a new crafting skill? This family friendly event gives visitors the opportunity to learn about pioneer life in early Chagrin! We will feature early arts and crafts, such as weaving, spinning, quilting, knitting, butter churning, and live Blacksmith demonstrations! Guests will have the chance to tour … Read More

Please join us at the History Center on Saturday, January 20th from 2-4pm. RSVP to Maggie at admin@chagrinhistory.org or 440-247-4695. We will be collecting funds for a gift for John. If you would like to contribute please indicate in the check memo line that is it for John’s gift. Checks can be made payable to Chagrin History Center, PO Box 515, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022. Or click the donate button below. A letter from John This year will end 14 years … Read More

UPDATE: as of 10/22/23 all tour time are sold out! If you would still like to see the performances, you can still purchase tickets to see a video recording on Sunday, October 29th at 2pm in our Bo Burr Community Room. Chagrin Falls Historical Society presents: SPIRITS ALIVE! At Evergreen Hill Cemetery Join us for our sixth annual Spirits Alive! Evergreen Hill Cemetery tour. You will be guided to seven graves and meet with spirits in the cemetery who will … Read More

Support your local history museum and win amazing prizes from our Gift Basket Raffle! This gift basket raffle is part of our Meet Me At the Fair! Gala on Saturday, August 19, 2023. We wanted to give our guests the opportunity to see the baskets before the event and also allow others who can’t make it to the event to buy raffle tickets! Tickets are sold in groups of six for $20. If you do not want to buy online and … Read More