The Cleveland History Center: A Journey Through Time

CLEVELAND- Gremi, the adventurous host of CleveItToUs, recently visited the Cleveland History Center and explored the magnificent corridors of the Hay-McKinney Mansion, the Art and Political exhibits, the Clothing and Apparel exhibit, the immersive Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum, and the Library.

In this special 30 Minute Segment of CleveItToUs, Gremi met with department heads and curators from five different departments, including the Director of the Cleveland History Center, Angie Lowrie.

During his visit, Gremi was transported back in time as he explored the lifestyles of the aristocrats in the Hay-McKinney Mansion, which reminded him of the hit BBC period drama, Downton Abbey. He also delved into Cleveland's rich history of aviation and the Wright Brothers, who built the first ever plane right here in Cleveland, plus the amazing women in politics who helped shape the city and country.

One of the highlights of Gremi's visit was the "Dressed for the Job, Clevelanders in Uniform" exhibit in the Gallery, where he got up close and personal with uniforms and occasion-based clothing related to different purposes, classes, and eras. He also got a chance to experience the Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum, where he honked the horn of a 115-year-old car and sat inside one of only two stainless steel Ford Thunderbirds in the world.

The Cleveland History Center's Library boasts a massive collection of Cleveland historical documents and an impressive genealogical department that encourages people to come in and learn about their family history through actual historical records and research. Gremi met with Ann Sindelar who will be working with him on another segment in the near future, exploring Gremi's own family roots.

The entrance of the Cleveland History Center proudly displays the words "Cleveland Starts Here®" and is sponsored by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation. This is a place for visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in Cleveland's rich history, from the 1790s to today. The latest technologies are used to interact with rarely seen documents and artifacts made accessible for the first time. The exhibit tells the stories of the triumphs and tragedies that define Cleveland, including LeBron James' championship shoes and a lunar descent engine.

"It’s a celebration of the past and the present, and we welcome everyone to come and make connections to their lives,” says Kelly Falcone-Hall, WRHS President & CEO.

This is more than just a museum, it's a place for Northeast Ohioans to locate their own stories and place themselves in the rich story of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. It's also a place for schoolchildren to experience firsthand the history of Cleveland and the region.

Until 2017, there was no one place in the city to discover Cleveland and Northeast Ohio's history. Cleveland Starts Here® was created to tell the story of more than 220 years of history and to provide context for the critical conversations taking place in the region, nation, and around the world.

Visitors will leave the Cleveland History Center energized and inspired to create their own chapter in this ever-evolving story of innovation, immigration, entrepreneurship, and diversity.

The Cleveland History Center is open Thursday from 12 PM to 8 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Library hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and research is available by appointment.

Don't miss out on the chance to explore the rich history of Cleveland and the Western Reserve. Plan your visit to the Cleveland History Center today!

------------------------------------------------------------ Special Thanks to Angie Lowrie, Eric Rivet, Dennis Barrie, Patty Edmonson, Bradley Brownell, and Ann Sindelar (Cleveland History Center), Jacob Henkin (Audio Visual Production). Music Credits: 8Strings Soloists & Directors - Thomas Mathias & Stuart Bramwell Arrangement, Orchestration, Mix & Master - Stuart Bramwell Vocals - Ainjiel Clark Location - Tatton Park Administrative Assistant - Callum Sherriff Recording & Engineering - Stuart Bramwell & Jack March Editing - Stuart Bramwell Orchestra Manager - Thomas Mathias Orchestra - Sarah Baldwin, Savva Zverev, Emily Blayney, Helena Logah, Callum Sherriff, Dominic Adams, Eliza Carew, James Heathcote

US Air Force Band Wild Blue Wonder (Airforce Anthem) Vocals: Gremi

Robert & Richard Sherman, Irwin Kostal Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Musical Score

Original Airdate: 2/28/2023