Crossings: Crooked River Conversation on Culture and Immigration

This event is part of the 2019 Cleveland Humanities Festival: Nature.

On July 22, 1796, Moses Cleaveland sailed from Lake Erie into the Cuyahoga River and founded a settlement that would bear his name. In the decades that followed others would come by water as migrants or immigrants to Cleveland. The community’s location on the lake at the mouth of the river was its raison’d etre, not only accessible to new arrivals, but a critical catalyst in its economic growth throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Crossings will examine the history of immigration and migration to Greater CLE and consider how geography and natural landscape shaped and continues to shape our growing diversity.

Enjoy ethnic food, crooked river brews, special libations, and live music!

Presenters:

Jacqueline Gillon, Community Engagement Specialist, Western Reserve Land Conservancy

John Grabowski, Editor of the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History and Senior VP, Research and Publications, Western Reserve Historical Society

Marlys Randeau, Director, Lake Erie Native American Council

Joe Valencic, President, National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum

This event is co-sponsored by XTINGUISH, West Creek Conservancy, Ohio Humanities, and National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum.