Akron History

Event Categories

Disconnected Communities: The Innerbelt in Akron

Odom Boulevard Branch Library 600 Vernon Odom Blvd, Akron, OH, United States

Two hands-on University of Akron courses focused on changes brought about by the Innerbelt's construction. These and other lesser-known urban planning projects altered the city's cultural landscape and the lives of Akronites. Using local archives and Geographic Information Systems, students have created digital StoryMaps that illustrate this history. Come take a guided tour of these […]

John Brown’s 225th Birthday Ceremony

Downtown Akron Akron, OH, United States

Join the Summit County Historical Society at the Akron Zoo to commemorate the life of John Brown on his 225th birthday. Enter at the main zoo entrance at 505 Euclid Avenue, and turn left following the John Brown Monument signs and arrows to the back parking lot. Dave Lieberth, Society Chairman Emeritus, President of the […]

Akron Roundtable Celebrate Akron – Part 1 of the Bicentennial Series

Quaker Station 135 S. Broadway St, Akron, OH, United States

A special 4-part series that celebrates the future of Akron during the City's Bicentennial celebration in 2025. Part 1 features Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, President and CEO, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. For more information and to reserve your seat, CLICK HERE.

A Revolutionary Barrel of Fun: The History of Dearest Enemy

Akron Summit County Public Library Auditorium 60 S High St, Akron, OH, United States

Why is the girl in this flyer for the 1925 musical comedy Dearest Enemy wearing only a barrel? Come to this exciting lecture to find out! Learn the backstory on the Broadway musical that the Akron Beacon Journal called “the biggest theatrical innovation on record here in the past 100 years.” American Musical Productions’ Executive […]

Forgotten History Forum Series Presented by FirstEnergy Foundation

Akron Summit County Public Library Auditorium 60 S High St, Akron, OH, United States

Join us for the next installment of the Forgotten History Forum Series presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, with our exclusive media partner, PBS Western Reserve. Brad Savage of The Summit FM moderates a discussion of Akron's time in the spotlight of the indie/new wave/punk music world, circa 1978 to 1983. You'll hear about it from […]

Inaugural Sojourner Truth Day

Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza 37 North High Street, Akron, OH, United States

The County of Summit and the City of Akron have officially proclaimed May 29th as Sojourner Truth Day, an annual day of recognition to honor the life, legacy, and profound contributions of Sojourner Truth to our community and its rich history. In celebration of her unwavering commitment to justice and equity, the day will feature a brief commemorative […]

90th Annual Founders’ Day

Commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) here in Akron, Ohio in 1935. Founder's Day Weekend is June 6, 7, and 8, 2025. For more information and registration, click here.

History on Two Wheels: Lost Entertainment of Akron

Cascade Plaza 122 S Main St, Akron, OH, United States

Explore some of Akron’s bygone past, from the thriving jazz clubs on Howard Street to the “Million Dollar Playground” at Summit Lake. Where were these places and where did they go? The ride will start from Cascade Plaza, and be about 7 miles on mostly flat terrain, almost entirely on the Towpath Trail and Main […]

History on Two Wheels: Lost Entertainment of Akron

Cascade Plaza 122 S Main St, Akron, OH, United States

Due to inclement weather conditions, this bike tour has been cancelled. Join us for the next tour exploring hidden stories and lost landmarks during our Signature Celebration Week on July 6, 2025.

Forgotten History Forum Series Presented by FirstEnergy Foundation

Akron Summit County Public Library Auditorium 60 S High St, Akron, OH, United States

Join us for the next installment of the Forgotten History Forum Series presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, with our exclusive media partner, PBS Western Reserve. Uncover the vital role Akron’s Deaf community played in shaping the city’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World and the city's identity as the “Crossroads of the Deaf.” […]

100th Anniversary of Firestone Stadium

Firestone Stadium 1575 Firestone Pkwy, Akron, OH, United States

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Firestone Stadium on Saturday, June 14th! The celebration will include a parade, food trucks, live entertainment, touch-a-truck, and featured softball games. The Parade kicks off at 11:00am at Firestone Park Community Center (1480 Girard St.) and will travel on Firestone Blvd., ending at the stadium. Programming will take place from […]