Photo: Hilary Bovay
Annual Meeting
Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting as we look back on the last year’s activities, accomplishments, and share plans for the coming year. The Executive Director, President, and Committee Chairs will present and we will enjoy light refreshments. All are welcome!
Dunham Day
Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens presents its first ever Dunham Day, Saturday, June 22. Like the County Fair organized by the Museum’s founding members in 1938, this FREE & FUN community celebration invites visitors of all ages to take a step back in time and enjoy musical performances, historic demonstrations and actors, vendors, crafts, games, refreshments & more!
REGISTRATION encouraged, but not required.
This event is also presented as part of Cleveland History Days, a week-long celebration of our city's rich legacy presented by Canalway Partners. Learn more and see the full schedule of events and participating organizations at http://clevelandhistorydays.com.
The Lantern Theatre: Declaration Exploration
A Reading of the Declaration of Independence, with excerpts from Poor Richard's Almanac and hits from the 1700s. The Lantern Theatre is dedicated to producing theatre for the whole family that reveals and celebrates the history of our region, state, and country.
Performances offered both Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 --tickets are limited, make your reservation today! Get your tickets HERE.
This event is also presented as part of Cleveland History Days, a week-long celebration of our city's rich legacy presented by Canalway Partners. Learn more and see the full schedule of events and participating organizations at http://clevelandhistorydays.com.
2024 Summer Soiree: A Bicentennial Bash!
The 2024 Summer Soiree is a….
BICENTENNIAL BASH!
Est. 1824 ~ Join Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens in celebrating 200 years!
As the oldest building in the city of Cleveland still standing on its original site, Dunham Tavern has amazingly persisted as a witness to 200 years of history and change in MidTown. From stagecoach stops to car dealerships, Millionaire’s Row to urban renewal . . . Dunham has remained.
This milestone moment is cause for celebration! Businesses, organizations, partners, and friends throughout Cleveland – we need your support this year. There has never been a more important time to support the preservation of Dunham as a historic landmark and our transformation into a vibrant greenspace and neighborhood park. Please gather with us to commemorate the past 200 years and help light a spark to our vision into the future!
Find out more, sponsor this event, and purchase tickets HERE!
Community Eclipse Watch Party - Witness History!
Gather at Dunham for a FREE eclipse watch event presented in partnership with Great Lakes Science Center. The eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m. on Monday, April 8, with the max eclipse occuring at 3:15 p.m. Cleveland’s last total solar eclipse was in 1806 and the next will not occur until 2444—so 2024 is your moment to experience this historic moment at historic Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens!
We will have plenty of eclipse-watching supplies to distribute as well as fun activities for kids, and snacks, fun, and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
This event is free but REGISTRATION is encouraged.
Stay tuned for more details!
"Monuments Man" - an Afternoon with Louis Rorimer
Monuments Man, the Mission to Save Vermeers, Rembrandts,
DaVincis and More from the Nazis’ Grasp
An Afternoon with Co-Author, Louis Rorimer
Louis Rorimer practiced corporate law at Jones Day in Cleveland for 35 years.
Since retirement in 2011, he has returned to his family’s roots by embarking on
the study of art history. His particular interests are Greek and Roman antiquities and the role of provenance.
Louis’s principal project for several years was the re-issuance of the
memoir written by his father, James J. Rorimer, which was originally published in
1950, about service in the U.S. Army’s Monuments, Fine Arts & Archives group in Word War II. Louis and his sister, Anne Rorimer, co-authored an enhanced edition of their father’s memoir, published by Rizzoli/Electa under the new title, Monuments Man, the Mission to Save Vermeers, Rembrandts, Da Vincis and More from the Nazis’ Grasp in 2022.
Louis Rorimer will be joining us in the Dunham Barn to reflect and share about his father’s life and work.
Please register HERE for this free event.
2024 Soup Supper
Bring a dish to share to this potluck-style gathering featuring the perfect cold weather dish, SOUP! There will be ham, salads, bread, dessert, and beverages too. Our evening also includes live musical entertaiment!
This event is now free of charge, but registration and a potluck contribution are required. Register by completing this FORM, or by calling the Museum at 216-431-1060.
Women in History presents: "Stagecoach Mary" Fields
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Mary Fields lived by her wits and her strength. She traveled north to Ohio, settled in Toledo and worked for the Catholic convent. Mary was a pistol-packing, hard-drinking woman, who needed nobody to fight her battles for her. When turned away from the mission because of her behavior, the nuns financed her in her own business. She opened a cafe. Mary's big heart drove her business into the ground several times because she would feed the hungry. In 1895 she found a job that suited her, as a U.S. mail coach driver for the Cascade County region of central Montana. She and her mule Moses, never missed a day, and it was in this capacity that she earned her nickname of "Stagecoach", for her unfailing reliability.
Robin Echols Cooper is a storyteller, performing and visual artist. Robin grew up on a small farm in Chardon, Ohio where she enjoyed listening to songs and wonderful stories. She has been writing and sharing stories all of her life. Robin received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with minors in art and theater from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She has been telling stories professionally since 1992. Ms. Echols Cooper’s unique style takes you on an animated journey as she weaves tales from around the world.
The Lantern Theatre: A Christmas Carol
An old tradition made new in the Dunham Barn-- a one-hour reading of Mr. Dickens’ masterwork will be accompanied by hot cocoa, cider, baked goods and Christmas cheer and will be followed by Christmas carols sung by all. Come celebrate the season!
Get your tickets HERE!
Holiday Open House
The Museum will be decked out for the festive season and open for tours all afternoon.
At 2:00 pm, join us in the Barn for a holiday musical performance by students from Campus International School. Come see the show and enjoy refreshments—fun for the whole family!
FREE and open to the public.
Candlelight Gathering
Our favorite tradition... gather with friends in a cozy historic tavern, one cold winter's night...
Experience a magical time when the Museum is decked out in seasonal splendor. This special tradition returns this December--featuring an open bar, heavy hors d'oeurves, and festive Irish music from “Francis Quinn & Friends.”
Get your tickets HERE!
The Lantern Theatre: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Join us in the Dunham Barn as The Lantern Theatre performs Washington Irving’s famous ghostly tale through storytelling and song. Enjoy seasonal treats, baked goods, coffee, and cider!
Get your tickets HERE or call (216) 431-1060 to make your reservation.
Lost Ghost Stories of Cleveland: Rediscover Cleveland's Forgotten Hauntings
Hiding in obscure corners and in plain sight, chilling tales from Cleveland's paranormal past await reawakening. A tale from 1840 places the city's first haunted house on the windswept commons south of town. Hanged murderers were said to roam the corridors of the Old County Jail, and the 1885 disinterment of the old Cleveland Medical College graveyard led to reports of nocturnal phantoms throughout the excavation. With the construction of Bulkley Boulevard in 1912, many West Side homes were demolished. Also destroyed was the entrance to what neighbors menacingly called The Cave of Apparitions.
Take a step back in time with author and investigative historian William G. Krejci on this journey through Cleveland's long lost ghostly past.
FREE and open to the public.
Mary Louise Jesek Daley, “Oliver Hazard Perry: Hero of the Battle of Lake Erie – A Life of Courage and Honor”
Learn more about the life and achievements of naval hero Oliver Hazard Perry, during the month that marks 210 years since the Battle of Lake Erie.
Free and open to the public.
"Welcome to the Neighborhood!" 2023 Summer Soiree
Dunham Tavern Museum Summer Soiree
Saturday, August 26, 6:00 pm
Honoring Lillian Kuri of The Cleveland Foundation
*Live musical entertainment!
*Open bar and buffet-style dinner!
*Silent Auction!
*More fun and surprises in store!
Complimentary valet parking provided. Sponsorship opportunities available. Tickets HERE!
MidTown Opening Day
MidTown Opening Day will be an all-day event highlighting the vibrant and growing MidTown community.
This provides an opportunity for businesses, organizations, residents, and groups to open their doors to the greater community, increasing connectivity. This event will be working in tandem with the Cleveland Foundation’s public opening for their headquarters.
Performances, vendors, food, and drink will be along E. 66th St. between Euclid and Chester Ave.
Programming will be held at different hubs of the neighborhood such as MAGNET, Cleveland Public Library Hough Branch, Children's Museum of Cleveland, TechHive, Dunham Tavern and more.
The Lantern Theatre: Declaration Exploration
Get your tickets HERE!
A Reading of the Declaration of Independence, with excerpts from Poor Richard's Almanac and hits from the 1700s. The Lantern Theatre is dedicated to producing theatre for the whole family that reveals and celebrates the history of our region, state, and country.
Performances offered both Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2 --tickets are limited, make your reservation today! This event is part of Cleveland History Days, a week-long celebration of our city's rich legacy presented by Canalway Partners. Learn more and see the full schedule of events and participating organizations at http://clevelandhistorydays.com.
Cleveland History Days: Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens Open House
Join us for an Open House!
Free museum tours; no advance registration required. This event is part of Cleveland History Days, a week-long celebration of our city’s rich legacy presented by Canalway Partners. Learn more and see the full schedule of events and participating organizations at https://clevelandhistorydays.com .
Annual Meeting
Join us for this year’s Annual Meeting as we look back on the last year’s activities, accomplishments, and share plans for the coming year. The Executive Director, President, and Committee Chairs will present and we will enjoy light refreshments. All are welcome!
Juneteenth: Celebrating Togetherness
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Cuyahoga Arts & Culture and the Cleveland Foundation for their generous support and funding, which have made our Juneteenth celebration possible.
This event is FREE but registration is encouraged: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/juneteenth-tickets-615202325717
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of Juneteenth on June 10th from 12 PM to 3 PM at Dunham Tavern! This special event will honor the significance of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live performances, engaging activities, and the rich history of Juneteenth. Our talented storyteller will captivate your imagination as they share stories that highlight the importance of this momentous day.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of fun and education. From music and dance performances to arts and crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Let's come together to celebrate freedom, unity, and resilience.
Don't miss out on this meaningful community event. Mark your calendars and join us for MidTown's Juneteenth celebration at Dunham Tavern. Together, let's embrace our shared history and create a brighter future. See you there!
Celebrating the Dunham Tavern Centennial in 1938: a Fledgling Historic House Museum Makes Its Debut
Presented by James M. Edmonson
Free and open to the public.
Tavern Readers Quarterly Meeting
Dunham’s book club, the “Tavern Readers” meet again in April to discuss Showplace of America: Cleveland’s Euclid Avenue, 1850-1910 by Jan Cigliano.
Free and open the public.
Cleveland's Cultural Gardens: A Landscape of Diversity
Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens: A Landscape of Diversity, published by Kent State University Press tells the story in the context of local, national, and international events through the narrative of Cleveland historian John J. Grabowski and the images of architectural photographer and local history author Lauren R. Pacini.
Free and open to the public.
Meet Me at the Fair: the Northern Ohio Sanitary Fair of 1864
Presented by Timothy M. Daley
The 1864 Sanitary Fair was organized by women of the Soldiers’ Aid Society of Northern Ohio to raise funds to assist soldiers during the Civil War.
Free and open to the public.
CANCELLED Annual Soup Supper
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Bring a dish to share and enjoy a selection of soups and entrees by our member-chefs, beverages, and dessert. This year we’ll be playing Dunham Trivia! Team up with your table to test your knowledge and nab a prize!
Member Tickets $10, Non-member Tickets $15
GET TICKETS HERE!
Nature in Winter: Life in the Cold and Frigid Landscapes
Judy Semroc of Nature Spark will highlight natural life to be found in our region even during the bitter winter months. This presentation will discuss features of nature in winter including icicles and the unusual ice and snow formations that are part of our NE Ohio Winters. In addition, winter activity and "hibernation" of all types of plants, animals and insects will be presented. Lastly, information will be given on how to attract and help birds survive the Winter by providing food and water resources.
FREE and open to the public.
History Book Club
The inaugural meeting of our new History Book Club! We will meet quarterly to discuss our chosen text. Bring your lunch and gather in the Museum for a conversation with fellow history readers. January’s book is Behind Bayonets: The Civil War in Northern Ohio by David D. Van Tassel. Please register in advance. Join the History Book Club by emailing lauren@dunhamtavern.org or calling (216) 431-1060.
FREE and open to the public.
The Lantern Theatre: A Christmas Carol
The actors and their musical accompaniment will take the stage in the Barn to read Mr. Dickens’ masterwork. The one-hour reading will be followed by hot cocoa, cider, baked goods, and Christmas cheer—with Christmas carols sung by all!
Holiday Open House
Museum tours and fun in the Barn with refreshments, crafts and games for kids. Fun for the whole family!
FREE and open to the public.
Candlelight Gathering
Experience a magical time when Dunham Tavern Museum is decked out in yuletide splendor. This special tradition, which only happens once a year, returns this December--featuring an open bar, heavy hors d'oeurves, and festive live musical entertainment.
Get your tickets HERE or call (216) 431-1060 to make your reservation.
The History of Chocolate
The sweet history of the most beloved treat all over the world! Join us as “confectioner extraordinaire,” Candy (yes, that is her real name) Nichols, relates the fun facts and the recent research about the significant health benefits in the story of chocolate. Enjoy her delicious chocolate samples in the refreshment hour afterwards.
FREE and open to the public.
The Lantern Theatre: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Join us in the Dunham Barn as The Lantern Theatre performs Washington Irving’s famous ghostly tale through storytelling and song. Enjoy seasonal treats, baked goods, coffee, and cider!
Get your tickets HERE or call (216) 431-1060 to make your reservation.
Women in History presents: Sara Lucy Bagby
This program is FREE and open to the public.
Prior to the start of the Civil War, Sara Lucy Bagby was a runaway enslaved person who was later captured in Cleveland, Ohio in 1861 and tried under the Fugitive Slave Act amid protests of abolitionists, and returned to her Master. She was one of the last fugitives to be surrendered by the North and returned to the South under the provisions of the Act. After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, Lucy walked to freedom in Pittsburgh.
Robin Pease, Artistic Director of www.kulturekids.org, joined WOMEN IN HISTORY in 2022. She has degrees in theatre: a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Berklee’s Boston Conservatory and a Master of Fine Arts from Case Western Reserve University. Robin has performed and taught drama/theatre, music, dance, literary arts and multiculturalism for people of all ages throughout the country.