AKRON, Ohio — The Akron History Center will open to the public next week, welcoming residents to a celebration of Akron’s bicentennial.

The center will open to the public next Saturday, April 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A private invitation-only ceremony will precede the public opening. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Akron History Center will open on April 5 to the public

  • It will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through next month
  • More than 200 years of Akron history will be on display in the center
  • There are more than 60 exhibits within the center

“The mission of the Akron History Center is to create an enduring, long-lasting, free museum-quality exhibit about Akron’s history,” said David Lieberth, president of the nonprofit corporation that raised the funds to create the Center’s exhibits. “We hope to inspire residents, educate young people and welcome visitors to our community.”

Throughout April, the center will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More times will be added throughout the year and admission is free. 

There are more than 60 exhibits throughout the center displaying over 100 historic artifacts and their stories. The center is operated by Akron-Summit County Public Library alongside the Summit County Historical Society and the Akron History Center, Inc., a nonprofit.

“We are honored and excited to partner with the Akron History Center and the Summit County Historical Society in presenting and operating this exciting addition to downtown Akron,“ said Pam Hickson-Stevenson, Executive Director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, which operates the Center. “The Akron Public Library, the precursor to today’s Library system, was founded just 50 years after Akron, so it is fitting that the Library is involved in this tribute to the city we love and call home.”

The center will be governed by a 15-member board of volunteers.

For funding, the volunteers raised $2.2 million for the center and the city gave a $500,000 grant from the city of Akron. Additional support came from foundations, businesses and individuals across Akron. Of the donors, 83 are recognized throughout the center. 

The Diamond Business Guild, made up of 27 companies in business in Akron, raised more than $700,000 

“The City of Akron is proud to support the Akron History Center,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “The Center will provide a unique experience and opportunity for residents to learn more about our history during our Bicentennial year, and it’s a great addition to downtown Akron!”

Plans for the museum were created more than 40 years ago at the Summit County Historical Society, but it only became possible when six buildings on Main St. were acquired by the Bowery Development Group in 2016. The project includes 92 apartments, the CRAVE restaurant and an engineering firm.

“Because history is being made in Akron every day, the Center is a work in progress,” said Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO of the Summit County Historical Society. “It will continue to change and will commemorate signature events from the city’s past."

More than 200 years of Akron history will be on display for the city's bicentennial. 

For more information on the center, click here.