Lennox Building

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History was formally incorporated on December 13, 1920. Its founders envisioned a scientific and educational institution that would positively shape the community. The Museum was located in an office in the old Lennox Building at Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street. Paul Marshall Rea was appointed as the Museum’s first director.

In January 1921, when the Museum was just 49 days old, its first priority was to establish a Department of Education. The department grew rapidly, its early years dedicated to promoting the idea of a natural history museum in the community. Lectures, exhibits, publications, courses for teachers, and school visits all fell under the purview of the fledgling department. In 1921, the Museum offered its first class—a summer course for educators.