The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) invites Clevelanders to put on their detective hats tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 22, with its newest installment of its Murder Mystery Series, “Municipal Murder: The Final Pitch,” opening tomorrow, Jan. 22 in the Cleveland History Center and running on Thursday evenings from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. through March 5.

“Municipal Murder” takes place in the 1948 Cleveland baseball scene:

“It’s 1948, and the city’s baseball banquet is buzzing—players, fans, and reporters all rubbing elbows under the glittering lights,” the playbill teases. “But amid the cheers and clinking glasses, someone is swinging for more than just a home run… and a shocking ‘strikeout’ could change the game forever. Can you solve the mystery and catch the culprit, or will this case turn into a total foul ball?”

“Municipal Murder: The Final Pitch,Now in its third year, the immersive Murder Mystery Series has become a seasonal favorite for those who enjoy history with a side of intrigue. “We are officially in our third year,” boasts Cristina Moody, WRHS public programs manager. “It has been wonderful to see the series grow from a new concept into a seasonal staple for our community.”

What sets the series apart from other whodunit games is its connection to Cleveland’s past. Each mystery is written in-house and carefully rooted in a specific era of the city’s history.

“We really lean into the rich atmosphere of different eras, and our stories span several decades of Cleveland’s history,” Moody explains.

Since launching, the series has taken participants on a journey through time: from a Gilded Age winter mystery centered on a dramatic family will, to a 1914 storyline tied to the Women’s Suffrage Movement at a party hosted by 1912-1916 Cleveland Mayor Newton D. Baker.

Guests have also stepped into the 1924 Vaudeville scene during the 2024 production of “Murder in the Limelight” and, more recently last June, into 1935’s criminal underworld in “Crime and Deceit,” inspired by Cleveland’s true-crime past.

Despite the variety of settings, Moody says no single era has dominated interest. “To be honest, interest has been incredibly well-distributed across all our themes,” she observes. “What we find most rewarding is the loyalty of our guests—once someone attends one mystery, they almost always come back for the next. In our most recent run, the majority of our audience were repeat customers.”

Learning is baked into the fun, Moody argues, saying it’s hard not to pick up new Cleveland history knowledge by participating.

“Our team writes these stories from scratch, weaving in real-world Cleveland figures and historical context,” Moody reiterates. She says participants experience history in a first-person, highly engaging way by taking on roles from different eras.

A delectable charcuterie spread is included in the ticket price.The experience is also designed to be welcoming, even for those new to interactive theater. “When you check in, we help you choose a role that fits your personality—whether you want to be the ‘star’ of the show or a ‘wallflower’ who observes from the wings,” Moody explains. “By the time the mystery unfolds, even the shyest guests are usually fully invested in cracking the case.”

Attendance is intentionally kept intimate, typically between 20 and 45 people, with guests themselves making up much of the cast.

As for favorites, Moody has a soft spot for the 1920s. “There’s something about the high stakes of the 1920s Vaudeville era and the theater setting that really gets people excited to dress up and dive into the drama,” she says.

With Municipal Murder: The Final Pitch, WRHS is once again blending Cleveland history, theatrical fun, and a whodunit twist—offering a lively night out where the past comes alive and everyone has a part to play.

Tickets cost $33.65 for WRHS members; and $49.70 for nonmembers.

Tickets include

• One drink of your choice—alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
• A delectable charcuterie spread.
• Full access to the museum (arrive early and explore).
• Convenient parking and direct access via the guest lot.