The Chagrin Falls Historical Society celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 1999. Miss Adria Humphrey, the Field Supervisor of the Chagrin Falls Branch Library and Mrs. Louise Ralston, Branch Librarian, were instrumental in the formation of the Historical Society. In 1949, members of the Chagrin Falls Library’s 60 Plus Club, interested in the history of Chagrin Falls, formed the Chagrin Falls Historical Society. Local memorabilia were collected and brought to the Library, which was located in the current Village Hall. Twelve people paid dues of one dollar per year. In 1950, membership had increased to 21, and they had an Antique Display at the Library.

The Historical Society’s first public project was the restoration of the bandstand in 1951. Ohio celebrated its 150th year of statehood in 1953, and the Historical Society decided to celebrate Chagrin Falls’ 120th birthday with a parade, and a demonstration by the Fire Department in Riverside Park. In 1958, the Library moved to its new building on East Orange Street, and the Village Hall was remodeled. A small upstairs room in the remodeled Village Hall was reserved for the Historical Society. In 1963, Lora A. Shute left her estate to the Village of Chagrin Falls for a community building with an area reserved for an historical museum. In October 1966, The Chagrin Falls Historical Society held an open house in the Shute Building at 21 Walnut Street.

Membership in the Historical Society is open to everyone. The Society sponsors monthly programs from September to May and publishes a monthly newsletter, The Exponent. Programs include lectures, trips to other museums and historic sites and social events. The Historical Society also provides educational programs and tours for schools and groups from other organizations. We participate in the Holiday Caroling in Triangle Park, the annual Chagrin Valley Junior Women’s Club House Tour, and the Village’s July 4th Program. We sponsor the Forest Citys, a vintage baseball team, and co-sponsor the Winter Music Series at the Chagrin Falls Library. We have published Annie’s Anecdotes, Caring for Your Historic Village Home and a cookbook, A Taste of the Past.
Membership fees, augmented by contributions, donation and grants, enable us to support our programs and activities as well as finance acquisitions of suitable items for our collections. The Society welcomes donations of Chagrin Falls artifacts and memorabilia to our Museum. The Society operates entirely with volunteers from our membership. Our dedicated Curator and members generously give their time, talents and energy to make The Chagrin Falls Historical Society a viable and integral part of our community.

The Chagrin Falls Historical Society Museum is open Thursdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment. We welcome your visit and encourage you to become a member. History is an exciting journey of discovery, education and preservation. We invite you to join us for this travel through time!