Lakewood Historical Society Wins National Award

The Lakewood Historical Society is proud to announce that the Lakewood History Project, their collaborative educational program with the Discovery Class of Grant Elementary School, received an Award of Merit from the AASLH Leadership in History Award. The AASLH Leadership in History Award is the most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history.

The Lakewood History Project inspires children to learn about the history of their community and then to share it with others. The students study primary and secondary source material including maps, books, pamphlets and advertisements, internet searches and oral history interviews. Working individually, in small groups and as a class, students explore the appropriate area of Lakewood on foot and acquire and select historic photographs. Using all of this material, the students create a documentary movie. So far, the students created documentaries on The Heart of Lakewood, the Templar Automobile, the Birdtown neighborhood and Cowan Pottery.

“Over the years, the students expanded their understanding of Lakewood, learning about everyday life in different neighborhoods,” explains Lakewood Historical Society Executive Director Mazie Adams. “They made lasting connections across generations, learning about history through the experiences and stories of their elders.”

The project was aided by the generosity of several community partners, including the Lakewood Public Library, the Cleveland State University Library Special Collections and WVIZ IdeaStream. Two of the movies are available for viewing through the society’s website: www.lakewoodhistory.org.

Plans for next school year are already underway. The student’s project will focus on the history of the Detroit-Warren intersection. The project will also include the creation of an Ohio Historic Marker to commemorate the fascinating history of Detroit Avenue. People with great memories of shopping, working and living at the Detroit-Warren intersection are encouraged to contact the Lakewood Historical Society (221-7343) to share their stories.

“The Lakewood History Project provides a real service to the community by documenting local history and by introducing young children to the joy of history through exciting lessons they will remember as long as they live,” enthused Ms. Bluemel.

For more information on the on-going preservation and education projects of the Lakewood Historical Society, visit www.lakewoodhistory.org.