Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio facts for kids
The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio (SCHS) is a group that helps people learn about the history of Akron, Ohio and Summit County, Ohio. It's a non-profit organization, which means it works for the public good and doesn't aim to make money.
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What the Society Does
The main goal of the Summit County Historical Society is to save and share the history of Summit County and Akron. They teach people about the important events and individuals who shaped the area.
The Society owns and manages three special places:
- The Perkins Stone Mansion
- The John Brown House
- The Old Stone School in downtown Akron, which they manage with Akron Public Schools.
Two of these places, the John Brown House and the Perkins Stone Mansion, are open for visitors. You can take tours, join educational programs, and attend special events there. The Society is also part of bigger groups like The Ohio Local History Alliance.
Did you know that sheep were once very important on the Perkins farm? Today, the Society brings a flock of sheep to the property each summer. They even offer demonstrations to show how shepherding works!
How the Society Started
The Summit County Historical Society began in 1924. It was created by a local group called the Cuyahoga Portage chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They wanted to celebrate Akron's 100th birthday!
Early Buildings and Growth
In 1929, the Society got its first building, the Old Stone School on South Broadway. The City of Akron gave them this old stone school, which was built in 1840.
A man named Carl Pockrandt became the Society's president in 1939. He led the group for more than 30 years! Under his leadership, the number of members grew to almost 2,000 people.
In 1943, the John Brown House was given to the Society. This was the home of John Brown (abolitionist), a famous person who fought against slavery. The house came with money to help take care of it. Two years later, in 1945, the Society bought the Perkins Stone Mansion.
Restorations and New Spaces
In 1950, a time capsule was buried at the Perkins Stone Mansion. It was opened in 2000 and had many old documents and items about local history inside.
The Society worked with Akron Public Schools in 1967 to fix up the Old Stone School. Today, students from Akron Public Schools visit this site for special events and learning.
In 1983, the Society turned an old wood shed into new offices and a place for exhibits. This building was named after Carl Pockrandt, who left money to help with the renovation. Today, it still holds the staff offices and the Mutton Hill Gift Shop.
Many parts of the Perkins Stone Mansion property have been fixed up over the years:
- 1986: The Perkins Stone Mansion was fully restored.
- 1992: The Carriage House was updated for exhibits and meetings.
- 1994: The Wash House was renovated.
- 1998: The John Brown House, Perkins Stone Mansion, and a stone wall were renovated.
- 2001: The Pockrandt Visitor Center was renovated.
- 2006: The inside of the mansion was restored, and a new version of the original Perkins Gazebo was built.
What the Society Does Today
The Summit County Historical Society continues to share historical information and help with research in the Akron area.
Educational Programs and Resources
The Society offers "Discovery Trunks" for free to individuals and groups. These trunks are like portable museums! They focus on different topics such as:
- World War I
- The Victorian woman
- American shopping in the early 1900s
- The history of airships (Lighter Than Air industry)
- The Perkins Stone Mansion
- African-American history
- The 1960s
- The Cascade Locks in Akron
- The Ohio and Erie Canal
- John Brown (abolitionist)
They also provide special programs for local schools. These include lessons on The Ohio and Erie Canal and prehistoric life in Summit County.
The Society has "Remember When..." programs for clubs, senior groups, libraries, and churches. These programs cover topics like:
- World War I and World War II
- Victorian women
- Inventions
- The "Hobo" lifestyle
- "Grandma's Attic / Grandpa's Garage"
- The Baby Boom Years
- Victorian Valentines
- Doctor's Black Bag
- Christmas Traditions
- Reliving Christmas Through Music
- The Ohio and Erie Canal
Two special programs, "Towpath to the Past" and "River Through Time," are offered to fourth-grade classes in Akron Public Schools.
Collections and Support
The Society has thousands of donated historical items. These include clothing, tools, furniture, personal items, and artwork from Akron and Summit County. Their large collection of old documents and records is kept at the Main Branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
The Society has six staff members and many helpful volunteers. They receive money from members, donations, and grants to keep their important work going.
Leaders of the Society
- James C. Cooper (1966–1967)
- William V. Wallace (1967–1976)
- James D. Strider (1976–1981)
- Jeffery Smith (1981–1991)
- Stephen H. Paschen (1991–1997)
- Paula G. Moran (1997–2009)
- Leianne Neff Heppner (2009–present)
