From Voyage Ohio
Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Deegan
Hi Greg, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in the eastern suburbs of Cleveland and attended high school near downtown Cleveland, and while riding public transportation back and forth, I became fascinated by the old, often abandoned, buildings we passed by. I realized that beyond my insular suburban reality there was a huge city that must have its own interesting and deep stories. I realized I wanted to know those stories.
After college I worked as a reporter in Columbus and then earned my Master’s in U.S. history with the intent to teach. I began teaching high school social studies at Beachwood High School in 1996, and during my time there, I became a partner in a small, part-time publishing company called Cleveland Landmarks Press. The company produced books on the history of Cleveland and as I edited manuscripts I couldn’t believe how little I knew. When I would share my insights, my students realized they didn’t know anything either. So I began teaching a course on Cleveland, its history, and the connections to the present. For the final project, students had to come up with original ideas trying to address real community challenges after having researched and interviewed stakeholders and public officials.
