Theme is ‘Community, Not For Us Alone,’ along with revamped ‘Nook & Crannies’ tour, pollinator garden
— Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens opens for the 2017 season on April 1, with the theme of “Community, Not For Us Alone.” In the spring, the Manor House also unveils a new permanent exhibit, “The Seiberling Legacy,” as well as a revamped behind-the-scenes “Nooks & Crannies” tour. The new Pollinator Garden will open near the Corbin Conservatory.
Stan Hywet is located at 714 N. Portage Path, in Akron.
Featured prominently above the Front Door of the Manor House is the phrase “Non Nobis Solum.” Latin for “Not For Us Alone.” This expression is emblematic of how the Seiberlings lived, inspired to make their community a better place for all. F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling helped to shape the fabric of Akron as gracious hosts, patrons of the arts, philanthropists and entrepreneurs.
“We invite guests to visit and take a tour to learn more about the many ways the Seiberlings’ legacy still influences our community today,” said Linda Conrad, president and executive director at Stan Hywet.
Opening in mid-April on the lower level of the Manor House is “The Seiberling Legacy,” a new permanent exhibit that presents a complete picture of the Seiberlings’ civic generosity. A visual story told in eight “chapters,” the display presents the many ways the family used its fortune and influence for the betterment of others. Each chapter — Community Spirit, Business & Innovation, Transportation, Health & Wellness, the Environment, Culture, Military Service and Housing — addresses another aspect of this family’s altruism.
“Nooks & Crannies,” the behind-the-scenes Manor House specialty tour, has been retooled with a new tour route and augmented with more details incorporated from additional research on the domestic staff who lived and worked on the estate. New exhibit panels and Walk the Hall guides are part of the refreshed tour.
The lifecycle and impact of bees and other pollinator insects are part of the new Pollinator Garden. Designed to educate guests about the need for pollination plants and the challenges facing these essential insects, it is located between the Butterfly Habitat and the Corbin Conservatory.
This garden features host plants (where insects lay eggs and larvae) and pollinator plants, the food source (nectar) in the flowers. Plants such as milkweed, Joe-pye weed and blueberries in the garden will attract bees, moths and butterflies –insects that use flowers as a nectar source. An educational replica beehive will be on display in the Pollinator Garden to explain how a beehive and its hierarchy works.
Special events also are back. Founders’ Day Weekend, June 9 through 11, commemorates the 82nd anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous at the Gate Lodge. The 60th annual Father’s Day Car Show on June 18 features cars from 1957 (the same year that Stan Hywet opened as a historic house museum). The annual Gala — Starry, Starry, Starry Night — is June 23. Ohio Mart, the popular annual artisan craft festival is Oct. 5 through 8. Deck the Hall in November and December features “Postcards from the Past” in the Manor House, Rudolf in his corral, two animated shop windows and more than 900,000 lights illuminating the Estate, including Dazzle and Gingerbread Land.
More details on all exhibits and events are available at www.stanhywet.org.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is open April 1 through the end of November Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; the last admission is at 4:30 p.m. Daytime hours change for the month of December. The Estate is also open with on Memorial Day and Labor Day with regular operating hours.
Hours of operation for public programs (special events) may be different; please check stanhywet.org for specifics. Daytime hours change in December.
More information is available by calling (330) 836-5533.
