Cleveland Metroparks provides visitors with the chance to experience history first-hand through historical interpretation. Each of Cleveland Metroparks 14 reservations embrace both obvious and hidden treasures to past generations, including Native American artifacts, remnants of early pioneer lifestyles, and turn-of-the-century structures.

Images of the past and stories of times long gone are brought to life through costumed characters and historical programs. History comes alive for participants of all ages through the exploration of artifacts, pictures and natural features. The programs blend the history of Cleveland Metroparks reservations with the cultural and natural history of Cleveland. A variety of historical programs can also be tailored for organizations and school groups.

Foster Brown

To schedule a program or for more information concerning specific lessons, contact: Foster Brown at (440) 786-8530.

Serge the Voyageur
Join Serge in reliving the days of the early fur trade era as you learn French Canadian songs, Native American games, wilderness stories, and the animals that made the Voyageur's life so hard, yet rewarding. People of all ages will enjoy this audience-active program. (Grades 3 to adult)

Voyageur Canoe Paddle
This program is a true living history adventure! Cleveland Metroparks with its historical interpreters take a group of 20 on an hour-long paddle in a 34ft. canoe. Each participant can paddle, sing, and join in the fun of reliving the fur trade era. This program is offered from the months of May through October. Check the Emerald Necklace for times, dates, and locations of this active educational program.

Doctor Wildweed
This character depicts the life of an old-time herbalist. Through fiddle playing, storytelling, and audience participation, Dr. Wildweed keeps listeners of all ages enthralled. He emphasizes that within every plant is a useful purpose and an interesting story. Using familiar wild plants, Dr. Wildweed "treats" common illnesses with herbs and reveals the uniqueness of the plant world. (All ages)

Digger Gallagher the Canaler
This living history presentation brings to life the Canal Era through song, story and audience involvement. Digger actively teaches listeners about the daily life of the canalers, from digging of the ditch to working on the canal boats. (Grades 4 to adult)

The Quarry Man
Sandstone quarries were plentiful throughout northeast Ohio and provided many jobs for immigrants. "The Quarry Man" tells the story of the daily grind the Men of Grit had to endure and the impact they made not only in Ohio, but also throughout the world. This program is filled with music, stories and educational fun. (Grades 4 to adult)

Willie of the Willows
This "wetland wise" character brings the outdoors to you. Using his vast knowledge gained from living among the wild things, Willie involves the audience while teaching about birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, trees, and plants of the wetland. Willie's favorite saying is: "Sit quietly, look quietly and listen quietly." He teaches the value of wetlands and the importance they hold in this present day. Willie draws listeners in with songs accompanied by banjo, stories and audience participation. (Grades K-4)

Professor Horatio Habitat
This wacky professor shares the importance of a healthy wildlife habitat. The four ingredients that insure a stable habitat are explained. Then, modern man's successful and unsuccessful conservation efforts are depicted through a slide show presentation. The professor uses humor, song and audience participation to bring his message home. (Grades 4-6)

Musical and Storytelling Programs:

Buckeye Legends and Tales
This presentation uses the age-old art of storytelling to embody the life of the early Ohioans. Through tall tales, true stories, and Native American legends, we capture the past and learn lessons from it. Interspersed throughout this program are engaging folk songs and humor to make this a memorable and enjoyable experience for the whole family. (All ages)

Singing Ohio History
Through the timeless medium of folk music, history comes alive with traditional and original songs that capture the essence of the past. Everyone helps sing songs about the eras as the pioneer, canal, Great Lake seafarers, farming, Underground Railroad, Civil War, and sandstone quarrying. This presentation includes a brief history of several folk instruments (guitar, banjo, fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer, etc.) Hand-clapping fun for all ages. (Grades 3 to adult)

Legacy of the Land; Songs of the Emerald Necklace
Cleveland Metroparks has 14 reservations that make up the Emerald Necklace. Each reservation is unique and holds many stories to be told about the land, its people, and the events that helped shape its history. This program will take the audience on a singing tour of many of the reservations to unveil amazing and important stories of northeastern Ohio. (Families and adults)

Folk Strings
This presentation explores the life of the pioneers and early settlers who journeyed westward through the wilderness to settle Ohio. Through songs on various folk instruments (guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and Appalachian dulcimer) we will sing folk songs that reveal the life of these hearty individuals from serious ballads to silly nonsense tunes. A brief history of the instruments makes this particular program a fun, yet educational experience for all. (Grades K-5)

Children's Nature Songs and Stories
This delightful program quickly captures the children's attention with creative songs about animals, plants, soils, and sky. Each song conveys valuable information through memorable lyrics and hand motions. This program includes several stories to make it a rich, fun filled program. (Grades K-5)

Songs, Stories, & Folklore with Hank Mallery

Program times average 30 minutes to one hour in length. For more information, call (216) 206-1000.

Towpath Tunes and Tales
You'll be tapping your toes to the history of Ohio's Canal Era, told through songs and stories that have been passed down through the years and some originals that have been inspired by canal life. Historical Interpreter Hank Mallery, dressed in canal era clothing, plays a variety of instruments as he sings the songs of the canals and takes on the persona of "Cletus" to pass along the stories. All Ages

Tall Sails & Salty Tales
Through the costumed character of "Captain KR-runch" an ex-captain of the Great Lakes, Hank Mallery brings the stories and music of the Great Lakes and Ocean Sailors alive. 3rd - Adult

Steel Rails, Tunes, & Tales
You'll be chugging right along with Hank Mallery spinning the tunes and tales as "Porter Wagoneer" as you explore the songs and stories the train era has inspired. 3rd - Adult

River Tunes
Through the costumed character of "Lester Flats," Hank Mallery presents a fun and entertaining program of songs and humorous stories about the Cuyahoga River and other American waterways. Adult

American Folk Song Sing-Along
Hank Mallery plays a variety of great American Folk Songs on a variety of instruments while your group is encouraged to sing along. We provide you with BIG PRINT copies of the songs to share during the program. Background information on many of the songs is presented throughout the program. This program is a great way to discover, remember or celebrate Americana. All Ages

Hard Times
Through the costumed character of "Blue Collar Bob," Hank Mallery uses songs and humorous stories to present this musical journey through the trials and tribulations of the working class. Adult

Cattail Carl The Wetlands Explorer
Come squish around with Hank Mallery as Cattail Carl "down where the land is wet" in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. We'll explore the relationship of humans, plants and other animals through songs and stories in a wetland, along the Ohio Canal, and the Cuyahoga River!

The Things They Carried
What's in your pockets right now? Do you need it for survival or is it merely a convenience? Join Hank Mallery as "Trader McGuinness" as we look at Cleveland's early settlers and explore their lives through, "The Things They Carried." 4th - 6th

Canal History Hike
Come explore the delicate balance of "Nature, Systems, and People at Work" in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. All Ages