Kelleys Island - Scheele Preserve Dedication

What an appropriate tribute to William E. Scheele that this Kelleys Island properly be dedicated in his name, thus recognizing his visionary efforts in establishing the Museum’s Natural Areas Program. Bill Scheele's leadership card talents are reflected in the spectacular growth and international reputation attained during his tenure as Director of The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (1949 - 1972). We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary dedication.

Through Bill Scheele's ingenious foresight, in 1955 the Museum acquired a 15 - acre glade on Kelleys Island - the first natural area to come under Museum stewardship. This was soon followed by tine Fern Lake Bog and then,) Mentor Marsh. Today, under the efforts of Museum Botanist Jim Bissell, the Natural Areas Program has grown to 13 preserves comprising nearly 2,000 acres of biologically significant land.

During Scheele's years as Director, the Museum grew from modest quarters in two mansions on Euclid Avenue to its present location in University Circle. When Scheele retired in 1972 the Cleveland Press wrote, “This exceptionally fine Natural History Museum, which is now completing a new wing, is something of a monument to Scheele’s energy and interest. And he has had an important hand in other institutions here, such as the Zoo, the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Aquarian."

Bill Scheele began volunteering at the Museum 1938 and four years later was hired part‑time, as an exhibit preparator. In 1942, he joined the service and went overseas for the duration of fine war. By 1948, he had returned to the Museum and was serving on its Board of Managers following the departure of the previous director. The next year at age 29, Scheele became the youngest Museum Director in the United States.

The Museum and its small staff achieved numerous accomplishments during Scheele’s years as Director. He was the driving force behind the 1954 expedition to Canon City, Colorado, which led to the discovery of the Haplocanthosaurus dinosaur skeleton. He also instigated the J-71 fossil salvage program of the 1960’s, which enlarged the Museum’s renowned collection of Devonian marine life.

An accomplished wildlife artist, paintings and drawings by Scheele often appeared in Museum publications and holiday cards sold to raise funds for the Women’s Committee. He is an author of eight books, including “Prehistoric Animals”, “The First Mammals” and “Prehistoric Man and Primates”. He also is a gifted writer, and from 1950 until 1972 readers enjoyed his weekly nature column in the Cleveland Press.

In 1972, Bill Scheele resigned as Museum Director to become head of the World Wildlife Fund in Washington D.C. At that time, a Cleveland Press writer said that: “For nearly a quarter of a century William E. Scheele has been the local prophet, expounding the beauties of nature and warning us about the evils we are doing to our surroundings.” That year, trustees awarded him the Museum’s most prestigious honor, the Harold T. Clark Medal, in recognition of his outstanding service to The Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Last updated on July 31, 2006