The newsletter of the Cleveland Restoration Society, NEO's voice for historic preservation. We believe in the future of our built heritage, from our neighborhoods to our monumental landmarks. 
JUNE 2022 PRESERVATION NEWS & EVENTS
Carl B. Stokes Ohio historical marker unveiling ceremony
On June 8, 2022, the Cleveland Restoration Society and the Ohio History Connection unveiled the second historical marker on Cleveland’s Civil Rights Trail at Cleveland City Hall, honoring Carl B. Stokes, the 51st mayor of Cleveland and the first Black mayor of a major American city.

The unveiling ceremony featured remarks and remembrances from Cordell Stokes, son of Carl B. Stokes, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, Natoya J. Walker Minor, chair of CRS’ Civil Rights Trail Committee, R.L. “Bob” Render III, Rick Taft, and Stacia Kuceyeski, Director of Outreach at the Ohio History Connection. Peter Lawson Jones performed a dramatization of Carl Stokes. Finally, Glen Shumate, Cleveland Restoration Society Trustee and member of the Civil Rights Trail Committee, read the marker inscription. The event was a wonderful success, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us to celebrate the second marker on Cleveland’s Civil Rights Trail!
Thank you!
The Cleveland Restoration Society wishes to thank the following supporters who have contributed $10,000 each to sponsor an Ohio Historical Marker on Cleveland’s Civil Rights Trail: BakerHostetler, City Architecture, the Cleveland Browns, Cuyahoga County, Marous Brothers Construction, Sandvick Architects, and a generous anonymous donor.
The Cleveland Civil Rights Trail was produced with assistance from the African American Civil Rights Grant Program, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.
This project is also made possible, in part, by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Cleveland Restoration Society & Cory United Methodist Church team up for Cleveland History Days
Saturday, June 25, 2022
10:00 am – 11:00 am & 11:00 am – Noon Tours
Free & Open to the Public
Registration is required. Registration Closes June 17 or until filled
Passionate about historic preservation? The Cleveland Restoration Society and Cory United Methodist Church are pairing up for Cleveland History Days on June 25th for a 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. tour. Join us for a deep exploration as we “poke around” the historic worship place – a crucible of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Visit the sanctuary where Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his first speech after being released from Birmingham jail; Malcolm X first delivered his famous Ballot or the Bullet speech, and Thurgood Marshall championed equal pay for black and brown folk in 1950. Displays of historic artifacts, photographs, as well as an introduction to the incredible partnership between the congregation and the Cleveland Restoration Society, will also be presented. Free Event – Registration Required.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for all guests. CRS accepts a smartphone photo of a vaccine card or its physical presentation as proof of vaccination. Masks are optional. Masks will be made available to those who desire them.
Interested in purchasing the Jacob Strong House & Garden?
Check out our Preservation is Sustainable video!
In this educational session, we examine the intersection of preservation and sustainability. According to architect Carl Elefante, "the greenest building is the one that is already built." Learn about how reusing our existing building stock can fight climate change, and promote sustainable, resilient, and livable communities.
Upcoming Heritage Home Program events
Join us for our upcoming Heritage Home Program's virtual informational presentations!

Click the links below for more information about one of our upcoming presentations. Registration is required for all Heritage Home Program virtual events.
June is Pride Month! Learn more about the history of the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
Incorporated by Arthur G. MacDonald, Michael Madigan, and Ethan A. Ericksen on May 8, 1975 as the GEAR (Gay Educational and Awareness Resources) Foundation, the group was Cleveland's first lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community organization. 
5 historical U.S. landmarks threated by climate change
America’s historic monuments – both natural landmarks and human-built structures – draw millions each year to witness and pay tribute to our simultaneously rich and painful heritage. But summertime, when many of us get the chance to play tourist, is also the start of hurricane and wildfire seasons – a reminder that the physical markers of our history are at risk from the effects of a changing climate.
Events calendar
Tuesday, June 14th • 3:30 PM
How To Incorporate Preservation Training into Your Construction Project
Virtual Event
Preservation Priorities Task Force

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) has a unique training opportunity for the members of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers—the Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program. This webinar delves into the development and practical execution of the program. Roy Ingraffia, IMI's national director of industry development, will discuss the program and how to utilize it for preservation project. Jessica Baumert, executive director of The Woodlands and Claire Donato, senior associate and director of restoration and historic architecture with Mark B. Thompson Associates, will discuss how they coordinated on a restoration project and utilized the Historic Masonry Preservation Certificate Program. Manuel Seara of Lorton Stone, Inc. will discuss how the Certificate Program has positively impacted business as a masonry contractor and professionally benefited the masons working at Lorton Stone. Click here to register.

Saturday, June 18th • 12:00 PM—10:00 PM
The MetroHealth Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest
Mall C-Downtown Cleveland
Karamu House, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Ingenuity Cleveland & Tri-C Jazz Fest

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery on June 19, 1865 - the day when all African Americans were freed from slavery. MetroHealth’s Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest is set to become an annual destination event in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, poised to position our community as a national leader in celebrating Juneteenth.

Set to take place on Saturday, June 18 from 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm on Mall C in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, the city-wide, family-friendly celebration and commemoration of Juneteenth will feature a headline performance by Grammy Award winner Keyon Harrold, with special guest and Grammy Award winner Bilal, Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black producing theatre and a fireworks finale and Cleveland’s own Hubbs Groove.

Festivities will also include a vendor village to spotlight Black businesses and entrepreneurs; community programming and education, spoken-word performances, interactive art demonstrations, food trucks, and beverage concessions. Click here for more information.

Saturday, June 18th • 9:00 AM—6:00 PM
“Dancing and Celebrating through the Second Line: Releasing Enslaved Spirits to Freedom” 
Underground Railroad Center, Oberlin, OH
Juneteenth Oberlin

The Juneteenth Oberlin Executive Board is ​proud to present this year’s annual Juneteenth Celebration Festival, “Dancing and Celebrating through the Second Line: Releasing Enslaved Spirits to Freedom” on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This year our focus is on the Second Line and releasing enslaved spirts to freedom. The celebration will be located at the Underground Railroad Center–Station Square–behind the McDonalds on S. Main St. The festival will include a parade with the African pride dancers, drumline, praise dancers and other local performers marching from Spring St. Park down Groveland St. to Pleasant St. and ending at the Underground Railroad Center. There will be games, face painting, raffles, various vendors and food trucks. Click here for more information.

Tuesday, June 28th • 3:00 PM—4:00 PM
Summer Federal Advocacy Update
Virtual Event
National Trust for Historic Preservation

Join the National Trust's Government Relations team and historic preservation colleagues for an advocacy update ahead of the fall election season. Learn what you can do now to advance federal preservation policies as the summer offers unique opportunities to engage your members of Congress. Click here to register.

Saturday, July 9th & Sunday, July 10th • 12:00 PM—5:00 PM
Rooms to Let 2022
Broadway Avenue & East 55th Street, Cleveland, OH
Slavic Village

On July 9th and 10th, 2022 the next generation of Rooms To Let: CLE will transform the intersection of E 55th and Broadway as the innovative installation returns to Slavic Village. Led by Slavic Village Development, Rooms to Let seeks to re-envision one of Cleveland’s most diverse and authentic neighborhoods, as it strives to illuminate a community in the midst of recovery and disinvestment. Dozens of artists and makers will create works in vacant spaces-- some of which are slated for demolition as well as in those that will be rehabilitated. The event will also feature live music as well as interactive and performance art. Click here for more information.
The African American Civil Rights Trail is supported through a grant from the African American Civil Rights grant program as administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. The views and conclusions contained on this website are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government. The African American Civil Rights Trail is also made possible in part by Ohio Humanities, a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this website do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Other support is provided by: The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation; Ohio Humanities, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; and the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior under Grant Number P21AP11686-00. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.