Brecksville is a city with a rich and interesting history from the time that Native Americans lived in and around the Cuyahoga Valley to the development of modern amenities including beautiful residential areas, educational and recreational facilities, as well as commercial venues. The city bears the name of Colonel John Breck who along with several partners purchased the land now known as Brecksville as part of the original
Western Reserve in 1807. The first permanent white settlers came in 1811. Others followed and Brecksville was incorporated as a village in 1921 and became a city officially in 1960. One of the earliest settlers was Squire Charles Rich. He brought his family from New Lebanon Springs, New York, around 1835. Our community is fortunate to have the home he built at a cost of $600 still standing in its original location. It now serves as a museum and is furnished with early to mid19 th century artifacts, some belonging to the Rich family.
In 2025 the Brecksville Historical Association celebrated the organization’s 100th year anniversary. The organization is committed to preserving the heritage of the community. BHA collects, preserves, and displays historical as well as genealogical documents and relics of the region. To this end, they maintain the Squire Rich House and property located at 9367 Brecksville Road and an archive at 4410 Oakes Road (Building 3) in
Brecksville. BHA is solely responsible for maintaining the museum. To ensure that this important work continues for future generations, BHA launched a Capital Campaign at their Annual Corn Roast in August. The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2027. The campaign will provide the financial resources necessary to preserve the historic Squire Rich Campus as well as maintain an archive of historically significant documents and artifacts. Major expenditures will include a new roof for the museum and restoring and furnishing an outbuilding that was
once used as a schoolhouse.
To kick off the event, a generous BHA member has made a commitment to match the first $4,000 donated to the campaign. Now donor’s gifts will go twice as far. The campaign will solicit donations from individual donors at first, but also intends to appeal to local business and industry to find corporate donors. They also plan to apply for and receive grant money to achieve their goal. If you wish to help this worthy cause, you can
mail a gift to: Brecksville Historical Association, P. O. Box 41403, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. BHA is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact BHA at [email protected] or call (440) 526-7165. Donation form is attached. CLICK LINK.
Western Reserve in 1807. The first permanent white settlers came in 1811. Others followed and Brecksville was incorporated as a village in 1921 and became a city officially in 1960. One of the earliest settlers was Squire Charles Rich. He brought his family from New Lebanon Springs, New York, around 1835. Our community is fortunate to have the home he built at a cost of $600 still standing in its original location. It now serves as a museum and is furnished with early to mid19 th century artifacts, some belonging to the Rich family.
In 2025 the Brecksville Historical Association celebrated the organization’s 100th year anniversary. The organization is committed to preserving the heritage of the community. BHA collects, preserves, and displays historical as well as genealogical documents and relics of the region. To this end, they maintain the Squire Rich House and property located at 9367 Brecksville Road and an archive at 4410 Oakes Road (Building 3) in
Brecksville. BHA is solely responsible for maintaining the museum. To ensure that this important work continues for future generations, BHA launched a Capital Campaign at their Annual Corn Roast in August. The goal of the campaign is to raise $100,000 by December 31, 2027. The campaign will provide the financial resources necessary to preserve the historic Squire Rich Campus as well as maintain an archive of historically significant documents and artifacts. Major expenditures will include a new roof for the museum and restoring and furnishing an outbuilding that was
once used as a schoolhouse.
To kick off the event, a generous BHA member has made a commitment to match the first $4,000 donated to the campaign. Now donor’s gifts will go twice as far. The campaign will solicit donations from individual donors at first, but also intends to appeal to local business and industry to find corporate donors. They also plan to apply for and receive grant money to achieve their goal. If you wish to help this worthy cause, you can
mail a gift to: Brecksville Historical Association, P. O. Box 41403, Brecksville, Ohio 44141. BHA is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact BHA at [email protected] or call (440) 526-7165. Donation form is attached. CLICK LINK.
