Summit County Historical Society’s John Brown House was among 15 area projects to receive funding from the Ohio & Erie Canalway Association. (Photo: Chris Miller) Awardees include programs that enhance the Towpath Trail and the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area, grant apps open for 2020 funding. The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association (OECA) has awarded … [Read more...]
Portage & Paddle canoe, kayak race May 20 honors Native American roots
Have you ever wondered how people got around in the Akron area long before it was a developed city? One effective mode was navigating our many canals, which served as the “freeways.” The upcoming Akron Portage & Paddle offers a unique canoe and kayak race that hearkens back to the area's Native American roots. The “canoe and carry” endurance competition starts Saturday, … [Read more...]
Historical Society previews quilt show with ‘A Salute to Ohio Craft’
The Summit County Historical Society is offering a sneak preview of more than 250 art quilts and historic coverlets that will be displayed at its 2nd Annual Mutton Hill Quilt Show. “A Salute to Ohio Craft” will allow guests to sip craft beers, wines, and whiskeys at a preview event at the John S. Knight Center Friday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. “Akron’s first manufactured product … [Read more...]
Summit County Historical Society prepares for paranormal, true crime history
The Summit County Historical Society will host a number of paranormal fall events. And a new program introduced this year, “Akron and Summit County True Crime Tour,” will add an element of murder and mayhem to this lineup. Following an adage by 19th century author Mark Twain that, “Truth is stranger than fiction,” the tour will cover how criminologists have collected and … [Read more...]
Sheep-herding returns to Perkins Estate, free demos this weekend
Summit County Historical Society hosts free sheep-herding demonstrations this Saturday at 'Mutton Hill' -- For the first time in a century, the home of Akron’s founding family will see the return of sheep to the Historic Homes of Mutton Hill, a flock that will be in residence during the summer of 2016. Six to eight Dorset sheep from The Spicy Lamb Farm of Peninsula will … [Read more...]
Community discussion series explores John Brown’s role in abolition of slavery
The Summit County Historical Society will host monthly Community Forums this summer on Summit County’s relationship with the 19th century movement to abolish slavery and the modern history of Civil Rights. The free events will take place at the John Brown House in Akron on the fourth Thursday of each month through September from 4 to 6 p.m. In conjunction with this … [Read more...]
First Nerds’ Night Out event combines nerd culture, barbecue, Thirsty Dog beer
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, one definition of the word “nerd” is “a person who pursues an unfashionable or highly technical interest with obsessive or exclusive dedication.” Nerds' Night Out is a series of events celebrating Akron’s nerdy heritage (think Devo, David Giffels, etc.) and targeted at the city’s nerd demographic. The first Nerds' Night Out, a free … [Read more...]
Historical Society receives funding for major improvements to John Brown House
Funding will help better tell the story of nation's 'most militant abolitionist,' Akron's role in fight against slavery -- Summit County has taken a major step forward in the restoration of the historic John Brown House, owned and operated by the Summit County Historical Society. The State of Ohio’s biennial Capital Budget for fiscal years 2017-2018 includes an allocation … [Read more...]
Evening of Native American art features renowned sculptor
The Lippman School and the Summit County Historical Society will present an evening of Native American art Oct. 13, at 7 p.m., featuring Peter Jones, Onondaga Tribal member and nationally renowned sculptor. The event will take place in the Shaw JCC Auditorium, at 750 White Pond Dr., which is located on the same campus as The Lippman School. Jones, who created the iconic … [Read more...]
Award-winning quilts featured in Mutton Hill show at John S. Knight Center
What do trees in autumn, “chaos” and a red sun at night have to do with quilting? They represent the best in contemporary quilting today, and each will be on display in a special exhibit of Quilt National 2015 at the Mutton Hill Quilt Show at the John S. Knight Center, Oct. 16 through 18. Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO of the Summit County Historical Society, the … [Read more...]
