Canalway Partners
Midwest joined with Canalway partners in 2019 in presenting the first annual Cleveland History Days celebration. With a large variety of programs held throughout the city, MRPS sponsored open houses in conjunction with other area organizations. The open houses proved to be among the most popular events on the schedule. Unfortunately, events in 2020 and 2021 were not held due to the Covid-19 mandates that were in place at the time but once again resumed in 2022 with two open houses during the two-week Cleveland History Days program. Cleveland History Days in 2023 begins on Friday June 23rd and will end on Sunday July 2nd.
The Science of Trains
The Great Lakes Science Center presented an exhibit in 2018 titled “The Science of Trains” in which Midwest partnered to provide educational and historical exhibits that included a moveable truck assembly on rails, a freight wheel sliced in half mounted on a piece of rail and many artifacts from our archives including a train board and signage from the Terminal Tower. MRPS volunteers also helped to man the exhibit and offered history and scientific explanations to visitors.
The Towpath Trail
When the Towpath Trail was under construction alongside Quigley Road, Midwest was instrumental in providing exhibits and benches that were incorporated into the Roundhouse Overlook above West 3rd Street in Tremont. Items on display include a crossbuck and park benches that were constructed from railcar wheels. MRPS also constructed the display stand utilized for the descriptive placard.
Special Programs
Our volunteer members present talks and programs at libraries and historical societies throughout the Greater Cleveland Area. Customized to suit specific requests, the programs have included topics such as the history of railroads in the Cleveland area and the history of the B&O Railroad and its’ predecessor the Cleveland Terminal & Valley Railway.
education
MRPS has accommodated many local schools and organizations by scheduling special events tailored to their specific needs. Some of which allowed scout groups to earn their railroad badges and offering unique subject material for high school art and photography classes. MRPS presented a six-week course through the Institute of Learning in Retirement at Baldwin-Wallace University during the Spring 2023 Semester entitled “Trains, They’re Not Just a Childhood Obsession”. Member/volunteers are available to give presentations on various related topics at local libraries and community centers. Give us a call for more information