10825 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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Whether planning a wedding, banquet, meeting or conference, formal gala or private reception, the Western Reserve Historical Society and Sammy's promise to make your event quite literally a part of Northeast Ohio's history.

The Western Reserve Historical Society is the largest privately-supported regional historical society in the nation. Founded in 1867, the University Circle Complex consists of three nationally-know collections: The Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, the Library/Archives & Genealogy Center, and the Museum Mansions: Hanna Mansion (including the Chisholm Halle Costume Collection) and the Hay-McKinney Mansion. Historically unique spaces your guests will be the first to enjoy!

Crawford Auto Aviation Museum

Who was Frederick Coolidge Crawford?

Frederick C. Crawford was one of the leading business entrepreneurs of Northeast Ohio. In 1933, Fred Crawford became President of Thompson Products parts, a supplier to the automotive and aviation industry. Twenty year later, Thompson Products merged with Ramo-Wooldridge Corporation of California.

Crawford's passion for transportation led to the creation of one of the finest automobile collections in the nation, a jewel of the Western Reserve Historical Society. In 1937, at the close of Cleveland's Great Lakes Exposition, an impoverished exhibitor approached Crawford for a loan. Crawford offered instead to purchase the car the exhibitor had displayed, a 1910 Duryea. This purchase sparked what was to become known as the Thompson Auto Album and Aviation Museum.

When Crawford decided to retire in 1963, he persuaded the directors of Thompson Ramo-Wooldridge (known two years later as TRW) to donate the collection to the Western Reserve Historical Society. His family and fellow auto enthusiasts continue to support this fine collection.

It is this collection of automobiles and airplanes that your guests can experience at your next special event, showcasing nearly 200 antique, vintage and classic automobiles and aircraft—ranging from model Ts to modern-day Jaguars. The first floor Rotunda seats 300, and the second level Street of Shops is perfect for receptions. With special permission, events can also be held with seating for 500 in Lester Hall.

Library/Archives & Genealogy Center

The library is a principal repository for histories, records, and papers relating to the growth and development of Cleveland and the Western Reserve. Many patrons visit to learn about their family's history. Important archival collections include urban, African American, ethnic, Jewish, Italian, Irish, and Labor histories. The library also has a private meeting room conducive to lectures and luncheons.

The main hall of the complex, directly outside the library entrance, is often used for large functions and highlighted by a wonderful mural depicting the history of the Western Reserve.

The History Museum

The WRHS History Museum is primarily housed in the Hanna Mansion; the Norton Gallery; and the Hay-McKinney Mansion. A showcase of Northeast Ohio's cultural history, the History Museum boasts both permanent and revolving exhibits, including its Chisholm Halle Costume Collection, one of the top-ranked costume collections in the nation, showcasing garments from the late 1700s to the present.

The History Museum also is home to two gardens ideal for outdoor ceremonies: Hanna Mansion Courtyard Garden and the Hay-McKinney Mansion Terrace and Garden.

• Hanna Mansion: Mrs. Hanna greeted her guests in a flowing white gown from her private balcony in the Hanna Mansion Lobby, showering them with flowers as they arrived for her private events. From this lobby, gaze onto the beautiful Courtyard Garden that is perfect for your wedding ceremony!
• Hay-McKinney Mansion: This 1911 mansion's private dining room is incredibly beautiful, private and breath-taking. There's an adjacent drawing room and terrace for your very elegant reception, and is ideal of boards of directors, trustees and partner meetings. A space like no other!
• Norton Gallery: Ideal for 100 guests seated at tables, 150 theater style, or 200 guests for a reception with special exhibits immediately outside the event space.

The Western Reserve Historical Society is perfect for...

• Weddings, rehearsal dinners and ceremonies
• Benefits, proms, formals, reunions, birthdays and anniversaries
• Holiday events
• Retreats

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• The Western Reserve Historical Society

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