The Cleveland Police Museum Offers An Unrivaled Glimpse At Cleveland's Growth Over The Years
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 01, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The downside of being human is that no matter how much we strive to learn, we will only ever experience things through our own perspective. Fortunately, we do have the ability to “take a walk in another man’s shoes,” or the opportunity to visualize the world through another’s eyes. You may think you know Cleveland, as you’ve lived here your whole life or you’ve gotten to know the culture since you settled in. However, neither you nor I know this city like our police do. These men and women know the city, its people, and its storied past intimately. And, much to our benefit, their story is preserved and open to the public at the Cleveland Police Museum.
Since 1866, a group of dedicated law enforcement officials have watched over Cleveland.
Before the Police Department was formed, volunteer night watchmen and constables patrolled the city. The group had a rather tumultuous beginning, though they served a relatively small population. However, within a decade, they grew into an impressive team.
Today, this history and more are preserved at the Cleveland Police Museum.
The museum is one of very few law enforcement museums open to the public in this nation. The museum initially started with a mere 1,200 square feet of space, but today it has expanded to nearly 4,000. Plus, with a dazzling new renovation, it is more enticing than ever.
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This fascinating destination was established in 1983 after Cleveland Police Detective Robert Bolton visited a law enforcement museum in London.
Inspired, he convinced Chief William Hanton that Cleveland had a need for such a place. With the help of Deputy Chief Lloyd Patterson and Deputy Chief Richard Kazmir, they established the museum and incorporated it as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Their collections are vast and, as such, they're constantly rotating to offer visitors a fresh perspective.
Interestingly, the museum works with the Cleveland Division of Police, but operate as a separate entity. Admission is free to the public, and they do not receive any tax funds. Be sure to make a donation during your visit, because this is one of the ways they continue to operate.
You'll discover collections focusing on Cleveland's Mounted Unit and our Motorcycle Unit. Photos of parades frequently make appearances, and others show landmark events.
...But be aware that some artifacts reveal a darker aspect of Cleveland's past.
The Torso Murders and the investigations of Eliot Ness are often on display, and so, too, are glimpses into the Prohibition Era. Memories of the infamous Glenville Shootout are preserved here, as well. Some of the objects on display, like the death mask pictured above, are so very personal that you just might find yourself moved.
After a trip to the museum, you will probably want to treat yourself to a souvenir in The Cop Shop.
This unique museum and its adorably named gift shop is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment. Everything from the police force's humble beginnings to now is represented, and it is a truly fascinating experience.
But the best souvenir of all is that you'll walk away with an incredible understanding of and respect for Cleveland's growth.
Our city has grown and changed over the years. From the Mistake on the Lake to Believeland, we've gone from a struggling Rust Belt city to a place that prospers on community enrichment. Visiting the Cleveland Police Museum offers a unique glimpse into this transformation. For more information, click here.
This museum is one of the best free museums in Cleveland, yet many have yet to pay it a visit. Its collections are fascinating, and they offer a glimpse into the history of our city that everyone deserves to see. When will you be planning your visit?
If you enjoyed this, you will probably want to take a deeper look at the Cleveland Torso Murders.
