This summer, Maltz Museum visitors can explore the rich framework of families found in America with our A Celebration of Family exhibition, featuring two art collections, Growing Up Jewish—Art & Storytelling and Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families, on view from June 1 to September 2, 2024.
With interactive children’s activities throughout, the exhibition promises to delight children and adults alike. But the Museum has more in store for the community throughout the summer. We’ve assembled a calendar of events related to the exhibition for the community to enjoy all summer.
A Celebration of Family Summer Events Calendar
LGBTQ+ Diversity 101
Wednesday, June 19, 7:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Join Sharon Groh-Wargo, PhD, RDN for this informative session on how to support diversity and be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. During this introductory program, we will review terminology, offer personal stories, answer questions—and help participants better understand what the LGBTQ+ community is all about.
LGBTQ+ Ohio: Past, Present, and Future Lecture
Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Ohio’s LGBTQ+ history exhibits the classic components of a Hollywood blockbuster: heroes, villains, epic crowd scenes, meet-cutes, and a soundtrack to end all soundtracks. Join journalist, historian, and professor Dr. Ken Schneck for an interactive extravaganza exploring the incredible places LGBTQ+ Ohio has been, the fraught landscape of legislation currently on the table, and the likely places LGBTQ+ is going.
Storytime Tuesdays at the Museum
July 2, and August 6, 11:00 am
Included with museum admission. Free for members.
Join us for storytime with our community partners, who will read inspiring stories about family, kindness, and traditions.
July 2: Hosted by Mandel Jewish Community Center
August 6: Hosted by LGBT Community Center of Cleveland
Growing Up Jewish: A Talk with Artist Jacqueline Kott-Wolle
Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 pm. Virtual Program
$10 general, $5 for members.
Hear directly from the artist of Maltz Museum’s special summer exhibition, Growing Up Jewish–Art and Storytelling. During this virtual session, Jacqueline Kott-Wolle guides us through her work as a contemporary artist, exploring the people, experiences, and community that shaped her distinctive Jewish identity.
This Improvised Life: LGBTQ+ Voices
Wednesday, July 10, 7:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Join us while some of Cleveland’s best storytellers and improv artists deliver a blend of spontaneity, comedy, and heart. Led by 15-year improv veteran Deena Nyer Mendlowitz, the night’s events include stories told by three LGBTQ+ writers. Then improvisers use those stories to weave together scenes made up on the spot. Come laugh and unwind at this very special show.
Jungle Terry: Animal Families
Sunday, July 14, 1:30 pm
Included with museum admission. Free for members.
Join Jungle Terry and his traveling zoo to learn more about the amazing animal kingdom. You may even get to touch one or two! Kids can also enjoy crafts about animals and explore hands-on activities throughout the Museum.
Meet the Author: Weekends and Summers with Dad by Aaron Jeter
Wednesday, July 31, 7:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Join us for a special event with Aaron Jeter, author of Weekends and Summers with Dad, a heartwarming story of two children on their adventures with their father after divorce. Jeter explores different parenting paths, emphasizing the importance of connections and conversations. Meet the author and learn more about this touching tale.
Script Reading with Faye Sholiton: Exquisite Potential by Stephen Kaplan
Thursday, August 1, 1:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Interplay Jewish Theatre founder Faye Sholiton leads this interactive group discussion on Kaplan’s play, Exquisite Potential. Equal parts funny and thought-provoking, this landmark work explores a father’s belief that his young son is the Messiah. Copies of the script provided with registration. Read in advance and meet to share your impressions.
Proud To Be Me: Family Flag Day
Sunday, August 18, 1:30 pm
Included with museum admission. Free for members.
Flags are used to share pride in where we come from. Join the LGBT Center to create a flag for your family and share it with other visitors. This afternoon of family fun also includes crafts, and a caricature artist will draw your family.
What’s New in Adoption? Panel Presentation
Wednesday, August 28, 7:00 pm
$10 general, $5 for members.
Join us for an insightful presentation from adoptive parents, adult adoptees, and birth parents. Moderated by Betsie Norris, Executive Director of Adoption Network Cleveland, this session focuses on personal experiences, social justice, and adoption issues. The panel will include people on all sides of adoption, sharing their stories and experiences.
Mark your calendar and join us!
If you have any questions, check out our full calendar of events. We look forward to seeing you at the Museum!
You’re Not a Member? Now’s the Time to Join
We’re offering a special $20 discount on new household memberships through September 2nd. A yearlong membership is only $55 and includes admission costs for two adults and up to six children. Plus, it covers your admission today. If you plan to visit us a few times over the summer, it would more than cover your membership costs. And, it’s tax-deductible.
Join or Renew Your Membership Today. To take advantage of the discount visit the museum or contact Jamie Ballon at 216.593.0571 or jballon@mmjh.org.