Federal Tax Credit Volume Increases to  

Pre-Recession Level

Annual report statistics recently released by the National Park Service show that, after a five-year recovery, the recession is finally over for the federal historic tax credit (HTC). The report shows that private investment volume under the HTC in 2014 almost reached the level of 2009 ($4.32 billion compared to $4.57 billion in 2009). This return to a higher volume was unexpected for several reasons. As recently as 2013, the HTC was still about $1 billion lower than its previous high. Also, there have been several disrupting factors in the marketplace that have caused uncertainty: the Historic Boardwalk Hall decision, Revenue Procedure 2014-12, and increased IRS audit activity. Nevertheless, HTC advocates are pleased with the new findings, as they bolster their case for the keeping the incentive. Click here to read the full article about these annual report statistics, written by John Leith-Tetrault of the National Trust Community Investment Corporation.

Preservation Ohio Names 2015 List of  

Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites

Last month, Preservation Ohio, the state's oldest statewide non-profit preservation organization, released its list of Ohio's Most Endangered Historic Sites. This year's list identifies 13 historically significant properties that are in jeopardy due to demolition, disinvestment or indifference. Preservation Ohio has presented the annual list for the past 22 years. Preservation Ohio accepts nominations from any citizen or organization. The organization's board of trustees selects the final list. Over the years, the list has proven successful in saving some of Ohio's architectural, cultural and natural heritage. To see the 2015 list, click here.

Heritage Ohio Award Nominations Due

Heritage Ohio has opened its annual award nominations in thirteen different categories. Nominate a person, group, or project to be honored at Heritage Ohio's conference in October. Nomination forms are due by Monday, June 15. You can learn more here.

Apply to the Ohio History Service Corps for 2015 - 2016

Love History? Want to spend a year giving back to your community? Join the Ohio History Service Corps! Ohio History Service Corps members work with local history organizations across the state to provide historic site survey, collections digitization and capacity building for local historical organizations. Make a difference while you gain valuable experience and professional development. You'll earn a living allowance and an Education Award to use for student loans or tuition payments. The Cleveland Restoration Society is pleased to be a host site for AmeriCorps in 2015 -2016 for our image digitization project. To learn more and apply, click here.

Far West Design Review Committee Opportunity

The Cleveland Planning Commission is accepting nominations for members of the Far West Design Review Committee. The area served by the committee includes Kamm's Corners, Westown, Bellaire-Puritas, Cudell, Edgewater, and West Boulevard. Nominees should be architects or other recognized design professionals, or representatives of businesses or other organizations with operations on the far west side, or residents of the far west side. The committee meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 8:00 a.m., when eligible projects require review. Contact Tom Jordan for more information.

Where's Benedict?

Bike Shaker Tours Announced

You are invited to join the Shaker Historical Society this summer for Bike Shaker Tours. These are tours led by architect Greydon Petznick and Rick Smith (pictured here), one of the founders of Bike Shaker, who are also SHS board members. The tour schedule for 2015 is:

June 13 - East View Village

July 12 - Open House Tour

August 9 - Shaker at Play

September 20 - Bikers' Choice

October 11 - Why all the Red Brick in Shaker?

All tours begin at 2:00 p.m. Tours are $20 if you rent a Bike Shaker bike or $15 if you use your own bike. SHS members get a $5 discount. An RSVP is required to Ruth at 216-921-1201. Click here for more information.

Summer ARTtours from ARTneo

ARTneo has announced a new series of tours highlighting the art and architecture of Cleveland. Entitled "A Celebration of the Art and Architecture of Cleveland," the three tours will go behind the scenes at two of the most significant historic restoration projects in Downtown Cleveland and also into the private studios of two of Cleveland's most widely recognized artists. Tour dates are June 14, July 19, and August 23. Tickets are limited for these special tours and they are certain to sell out. Tours are available individually or as a full series. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

11th Annual Gracious Gardens in Shaker Heights

Shaker Historical Society invites you to join in the festivities June 20 - 21 when they offer the 11th Annual Gracious Gardens weekend. Saturday, June 20, from 6-10 p.m. will be the Twilight in the Garden Party, a fundraiser held at a private historic home. On Sunday, June 21, the Gracious Gardens Tour will take place from noon - 5:00 p.m. This is a self-guided tour of eight beautiful gardens in Shaker Heights. Also on Sunday is the Gracious Gardens Fair, a free fair on the grounds of the Shaker Historical Society, 16740 South Park Boulevard, and a Lemonade Stand Contest from noon - 3:00 p.m. Contact rzeager@shakerhistory.org for more information. Click here to buy tickets to the events.

Western Reserve  

Architectural Historians  

Anniversary Program

The Western Reserve Architectural Historians, in conjunction with the Shaker Historical Society, will celebrate the golden anniversary of the WRAH on Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m. The event will take place at Shaker Heights Country Club. Matthew Moriarty, club historian, will commemorate the centennial of the 1915 Meade-designed clubhouse with a lecture about the architecture of the exquisite, sixteenth century English-style structure. Mr. Moriarty will also comment on the history of the country club and golf course. A tour of the building will follow the talk and the afternoon will conclude with hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages (cash bar available). Valet parking will be provided. For reservations and more information, click here.

Archaeological Dig  

Summer Camp

The Shaker Historical Society, in partnership with Hathaway Brown, Tri-C & WVIZ, announces the Shaker Archaeological Dig Summer Camp. This camp will take place July 20 - 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for kids in grades 5 - 9. Campers will work side by side with an archaeologist on the Shaker Dig! Join Archaeologist Beth Hoag of Cuyahoga Community College, Hathaway Brown Master Teacher, Rosemary Nemeth, and museum director Dr. Ware Petznick to learn about the wonders of digging into the past. Students will be immersed in the history of the Shakers in this amazing week! There will be field trips to Cuyahoga Community College's Archaeology Lab, the Shaker Historical Society, the Shaker Lakes, parks, and much more, as the foundations of a mill are explored. The cost per attendee is $400 and registration is online at www.hb.edu. For more information call 216-921-1201 or 216-320-8796, ext. 7173.