- Originating in the Case Western Reserve University’s Department of History, the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History represents the contributions of hundreds of academic scholars and talented amateur historians to the interpretation and understanding of the history of Greater Cleveland. Its two printed editions (1987 and 1996) and its on-going World Wide Web edition are acknowledged landmarks in the presentation of urban history. Used as a reference by scholars, students, and interested citizens across the globe, the Encyclopedia has brought notice and credit to the city of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, and the Western Reserve Historical Society.