Cleveland's history informs its future. These stories offer a deeper understanding of the past by shining a light on unknown moments and recontextualizing the ones you think you know.
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Tom Hanks spent three summers with the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival, where he learned lessons that would shape his acting career.
by Vince Guerrieri
In 1986, the United Way set out to break a world record with a balloon release over Public Square. Forty years later, the people who built it, flew over it and watched it wash up on Lake Erie tell the whole story.
by Vince Guerrieri
Cleveland-based author and artist Derf Backderf’s latest graphic novel, The Dissidents, arrives on Sept. 15.
by Annie Nickoloff
Twenty-five years after the attacks, Adam Axler recounts details of his Sept. 11 experience in his new memoir American Triage.
by Annie Nickoloff
Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid, modeled after a shrine in Lourdes, France, celebrates 100 years in 2026.
by Annie Nickoloff
In 1977, Cleveland's beloved children's television host visited Sea World Ohio, capturing a nostalgic moment between two Northeast Ohio icons that are now gone.
by Vince Guerrieri
Jim Szabo’s “Down By The Cuyahoga” show on WRUW FM 91.1 keeps the tradition of jazz and college radio alive.
by Lydia Koszegi
After the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Boar Vessel went viral online, curators and historians began investigating its origins and authenticity. Hear their findings in this episode of The CLE Connection podcast.
by Annie Nickoloff
A new temple in Independence, scheduled to be dedicated this August, joins a historic temple in Kirtland that’s open for public tours.
by Annie Nickoloff
Former Marvel comic book illustrator and Youngstown native Val Mayerik, who first drew Howard The Duck, shares the character’s story in this episode of The CLE Connection podcast.
by Annie Nickoloff
On its 40th anniversary, WNCX 98.5-FM leaders reflect on the Cleveland radio station’s rock ‘n’ roll soundscape and history.
by Annie Nickoloff
