When Akron celebrates its Bicentennial in 2025, residents and visitors will, for the first time, be able to see the city’s 200-year history in one central location, displayed through the relics and artifacts of Akron’s past and interpreted with modern technology.
Is to create an enduring, long-lasting, free museum-quality exhibit about Akron’s history that will inspire residents, educates young people and welcomes visitors to our community.
To illuminate the stories of the city’s founding, interpret its industrial and social history and represent the diverse groups of people that have propelled Akron to international fame and recognition.
Are driven by the stories of Akron’s prowess in innovation in diverse industries: cereal, clay products, farm machinery, rubber and polymer products, motor carriers, metalworking and health care. The Center seeks to include a complete and honest portrayal of forgotten stories of Indigenous People, African-born freedom-seekers and European and Black migrants. This is where the stories will be told of the community’s leadership in public education, the abolition of slavery, establishment of organized labor, nurturing of women’s rights, and the 20th century movements of Alcoholics Anonymous and Victim Assistance. It will contain the exhibits of the Akron Sound Museum and include a special NASCAR exhibit by Goodyear.
Located in “The Bowery” on King James Way adjacent to Lock 4 and the Towpath of the Ohio & Erie Canal. On three floors, guests will be immersed in the city’s history through the use of striking graphics, the display of ancient artifacts, and the incorporation of flat screen video. Stories will include thoughtful narratives emphasizing how the city’s diversity has allowed Akron to lead the state and nation in innovation successes and become recognized for the astonishing achievements of its people.
The Bowery is made up of six century-old buildings. “Old buildings are like old friends,” it is said. “They reassure us in times of rapid change... and encourage people to dream about the city.”
172 South Main Street was home to multiple mercantile enterprises of the 20th century. It has been restored and modernized using state and federal historic tax credits and will invigorate downtown’s $25 million investment in the Akron Civic Theatre and Lock 3. It is the north point of the $20 million “Reimagining the Civic Commons” project.
The center will serve 200,000 people annually as a free, open to the public center of educational information. When opened by January 2024, it will be operated by the Akron-Summit County Public Library in a partnership that includes the Summit County Historical Society, the University of Akron, the Downtown Akron Partnership and the Akron-Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The History Center will complement studies of Akron public-school students, grades 3-12 and is the leading edge of Akron’s 2025 Bicentennial celebration.
Akron is well-served by historic house museums: Stan Hywet, Perkins Stone Mansion, John Brown House, Hower House, Mustill Store, Hale Homestead, and the Richard Howe House. They display varying degrees of artifacts...
The City of Akron | Summit County Government | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company | Akron Community Foundation | GAR Foundation | FirstEnergy Foundation | GOJO | Thom and Lisa Mandel Foundation | Maynard Family Foundation | The Read Family Foundation | Akron Children’s Hospital | Sisler-McFawn Foundation | H. Peter Burg Fund | Ann Amer Brennan | Welty Foundation | Akron Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau
Copyright © 2023 Akron History Center - 172 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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