Cleveland Historical Museum unveils new exhibits with ribbon-cutting ceremony

The Cleveland Historical Museum welcomed visitors and community members to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, May 19, marking the official opening of several newly expanded and curated exhibits. Hosted in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, the event celebrated a fresh chapter in the museum’s ongoing mission to preserve and share local history.

Located at 203 E. Boothe St., the museum is operated by the Cleveland Historical Society, whose president, Pat Blaikie, has played a hands-on role in revitalizing the space. The updates represent months of dedication and a significant personal investment — both financially and physically — to make the museum more accessible and informative.

Revamped spaces

Among the most notable upgrades is an expanded school exhibit, which now includes more class photos and yearbooks sourced from local high school reunions.

“We’ve added a lot more pictures in the school area,” said Blaikie. “It really brings back memories for people who grew up here.”

A brand-new Room of Honor has also been added, giving proper space and recognition to local fire, police, and military history.

“We had a lot of items stored away that had never been displayed before,” Blaikie noted.

The museum also houses a certificate of humanity — a precursor to the Purple Heart — as well as historical military papers, old newspapers regarding wars and a recently donated flag and certificate flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Visitors will also find a dedicated church history section and a nostalgic “memory café,” the latter of which is set in the former breakroom of the old City Hall. While no food is served, the memory café features photos and memorabilia from past local restaurants and diners, capturing a slice of everyday life in Cleveland’s past.

Spotlight on the Austin Room

The beloved Austin Room has received a notable facelift. Named for Charles and Bessie Austin, key benefactors in the early development of Austin Memorial Library and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the room holds personal and historical treasures. Charles Austin, once appointed as Texas Insurance and Banking Commissioner, received certifications signed by both Governors James E. Ferguson and Miriam “Ma” Ferguson — both documents now proudly on display.

The main focal point of the Austin Room is a Victorian-era bed from the famed Palmer House in Chicago, dated 1874, believed to have been shown twice at the Chicago World’s Fair.

“It’s one of the more unique artifacts we have,” said Blaikie.

One exhibit currently close to Blaikie’s heart is the Boy Scouts of America display, celebrating 100 years of scouting in Cleveland.

“I was an assistant scoutmaster, and my husband, George, was the scoutmaster in the early 1990s,” she said. “That exhibit means a lot to me personally.”

For Blaikie, preserving Cleveland’s history is deeply personal.

“I love Cleveland. This is a labor of love. My goal is to get the museum recognized not just for our past, but for the history we’re making right now,” she said. “If we don’t start keeping it and letting people understand that history happens today, they will never know.”

Labeling and organizing the museum’s collections has become a top priority.

“Before, we had so many pictures without context. Now we’re finally getting everything labeled. It makes such a difference,” she said.

Museum hours and volunteer opportunities

The Cleveland Historical Museum is currently open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. While there is interest in expanding operating hours, the museum depends entirely on volunteers to stay open.

If you want to be a part of the organization, you just need a love of history and a willingness to work and learn, according to Blaikie.

Those interested in volunteering can text Pat Blaikie directly at 281-224-4682.

A call for support

Despite the progress, the museum still faces challenges. With the museum’s internet and phone services currently shut off and limited funding for further improvements, Blaikie revealed that much of the renovation — approximately $12,000 — has come from her own pocket. Her husband is also investing personal funds into updating the museum’s railroad room, another cherished exhibit that remains a work in progress.

To continue its growth, the museum is in need of donations and support from the community. One item on Blaikie’s wish list is a programmable electronic sign to replace the current manual one — a small upgrade that would make a big difference in keeping the public informed about museum events and updates.