About the Society
The purpose of the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society is to discover, collect, and preserve information, materials, structures, and landmarks which may help to establish interest in the historic record of the founding and development of the communities of Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff and thereby educate the citizens of these communities and other interested persons. It is to also maintain an historical archives to support the research and preservation of the early history of Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff and their environs.
The first meeting of a proposed “Grandview Heights-Marble Cliff Historical Society" was on March 26, 1974 in the Grandview Heights Public Library. It was attended by 39 members of the community and chaired by Mrs. Donald (Win) Keller who introduced the other steering committee members: Mrs. Henry (Virginia) Abbot, Mrs. Robert (Ann) Larrick, and Joseph P. Wyman. A vote of confidence was asked for, and given. Dirk Voelker, lawyer for the group, developed articles of incorporation. for the Society. Jack Snyder, chairman of the library board, offered space in the library for meetings and storage of memorabilia.
At a meeting on May 29, 1974, a constitution and by-laws were approved, a steering committee formally established, membership dues determined, and first donations accepted. The first annual meeting of the infant Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society was held at the library, on on September 18, 1974. Thirty-two residents who had lived in the community continuously since before 1925 were honored with flowers. The first board of trustees was elected: Win Keller, Ann Larrick, Virginia Abbot, Dirk Voelker and Joseph Wyman.
Credit for the concept of a local historical society goes to a conversation between Ann Larrick and Win Keller in Win’s kitchen sometime in 1973. Their inspiration came from the research into Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff history by Mrs. Amelia Muhlbach and Miss Becky Laycock, teachers at Edison Elementary School, who were involving their students in programs designed to develop knowledge and appreciation of their local history. Mrs. Muhlbach and Miss Laycock spoke at the first annual meeting.
The timing of the society's beginning was fortuitous. Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Historical Society rode the wave of interest in the national bicentennial of 1976. The Society's first major project was the publication of Sheltering a Heritage, a history of local homes, many from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The Society’s 1999 annual meeting at the Grandview Heights Heights Public Library on Sunday, September 19, 1999 was a celebration of 25 years of accomplishments of the Society. It included historical displays, a presentation and refreshments.
Society membership is open to anyone interested in supporting the local history of the communities of Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff. The Society is lead by a Board of dedicated volunteers. An archives of local history information and memorabilia is located in the Grandview Heights Public Library. Individuals can visit the archives by appointment or during open hours on the second Sunday of the month (Library hours permitting). The Society’s major public event is a triennial Tour of Homes which highlights some of the most historically significant home in Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff.