Overview
The new Akron History Center opened on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in downtown Akron at 172 South Main Street. Its mission is to create an enduring, free, museum-quality exhibit about Akron’s history.
Operated by the Akron-Summit County Public Library in collaboration with the Summit County Historical Society and the non-profit Akron History Center, incorporated in 2023, the Akron History Center features more than 60 exhibits showcasing more than 100 historical artifacts, accompanied by stories told on over 30 video screens. Akron History Center, governed by a 15-member board of volunteers, raised $2.2 million.
The initial investment was a $500,000 grant from Akron, followed by support from Akron’s foundations, businesses and local residents. The Akron History Center became possible when the Bowery Development Group acquired six historic buildings on Main Street in 2016. Barrie Projects of Cleveland Heights conceived the center’s design.
Dennis and Kathy Barrie also created the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of Organized Crime & Law Enforcement in Las Vegas, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, and the National Museum of Psychology in Akron. Communication Exhibits of Canal Fulton designed and fabricated the exhibits. The company has created exhibits for industry and museums for more than 40 years.
Quick Facts
- Status
- Existing
- Locality or neighborhood
- Akron
- State or province
- Ohio
- Address
- 172 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308
- Postal code
- 44308
