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Mission Patrons
The Chagrin History Center is grateful to the individuals, families, and organizations whose generous support helps preserve and share the history of our community. Patrons make it possible for us to care for our collections, preserve historic photographs and artifacts, create exhibits and educational programs, and continue telling the stories that connect Chagrin Falls to…
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Our Team
Board of Trustees Officers Trustees Executive Director: Ann Coakley Ann Coakley brings extensive experience in nonprofit development, community engagement, and relationship building to her role as Executive Director of the Chagrin History Center. Her career has included leadership in development and donor relations, most recently serving as Director of Development for Northeast Ohio at Children’s…
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Our History
From a small collection of local memorabilia to a historic museum at the heart of Chagrin Falls, the Chagrin History Center has grown alongside the community it serves. Its story is one of curious residents, dedicated volunteers, historic preservation, and a shared belief that understanding the past helps shape the future.
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Thomas Daniel “Tim” Conway
Chagrin Falls’ Beloved Comedian and Television Star Few entertainers have brought as much laughter to American audiences as Tim Conway, the Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, writer, and director who grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Although Conway became a household name through his unforgettable performances on The Carol Burnett Show, his story began in Chagrin…
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Jehu Brainerd
Artist, Writer, Educator, and Physician Jehu Brainerd (1808–1878) played a fascinating role in the early history of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. An accomplished engraver, woodcut artist, writer, educator, abolitionist, and physician, Brainerd documented early life in Chagrin Falls while later establishing himself as a respected educator and medical professor in Cleveland. Jehu Brainerd’s Woodcuts of Early…
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Early Schools in Chagrin Falls
The History of Chagrin Falls Schools For nearly two centuries, Chagrin Falls schools have played a central role in the community’s identity. The village has long been recognized for its commitment to educational excellence, and the quality of its schools remains one of the primary reasons families choose to live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Today,…
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E.B. (Elijah) Hill
Early Life of E.B. Hill Elijah B. Hill, commonly known as E. B. Hill, was born on August 9, 1792, in Great Nine Partners, Dutchess County, New York. He died on November 19, 1879, at the age of 87 after living a remarkable life as an early Ohio pioneer and settler. Hill came from a…
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Services: Education
What We Offer Our Education Program The Chagrin History Center works with the teachers in the Chagrin Falls District to schedule lessons for each of the classes. The Education Committee plans each of the lessons that pertain to the Learning Standards for Social Studies set forth at each grade level by the State of Ohio.…
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Disciples of Christ
In 1831, Adamson Bentley, a former Baptist minister in Warren, Ohio, organized a Disciples of Christ church in the nearby settlement that would become Bentleyville, Ohio. In 1843 the Disciples began worshiping in Chagrin Falls, and in 1853 relocated to a new church building on Walnut Street. James A. Garfield, the future 20th president of…
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The Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1837 the Methodist Episcopal Church was formed, meeting at private homes and schoolhouses. In 1842 the Methodist Church was officially formed as the Wesley Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Chagrin Falls. Their first church was built in 1846 on the East side of South Franklin Street. A new church was built on…