A New America 250 Exhibit celebrating Akron’s people, history and their lgacies is open through Sept. 13 at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.
Located in the Dining Room of the Manor House and available to view with a Manor House admission ticket, this special exhibit honors both the 250th anniversary of American independence and the 201st anniversary of Akron’s founding by celebrating the everyday people whose lives, labor, and legacies shaped this city into what it is today.
About the Exhibit
The America 250 initiative invites the country to reflect on and honor the contributions of all Americans throughout the nation’s history. At the same time, 2026 marks the 201st anniversary of Akron’s founding. In recognition of both milestones, The Families That Built Akron was created to meld together the vision of both celebrations — showcasing Akron’s history through the families who have played active roles in the community and fostering reflection on the broader American experience.
Founded in 1825 at the highest point along the Ohio & Erie Canal, Akron began as a bustling canal town. Over time, the city’s identity evolved from canal transportation to rubber and tire production, and by 1910, Akron had become the nation’s fastest-growing city, drawing people from across the country and around the world.
These individuals and families built lives here, shaping the city’s character and culture. From early settlers to recent arrivals, everyday people have left their mark on Akron in countless ways, through engagement with local industry, the creation of family-owned businesses, service in the military, and active participation in the broader community. This exhibit aims to acknowledge those personal connections and invite visitors to reflect on their own family histories and consider how they, too, contribute to the fabric of their community.
Tickets and information are available at stanhywet.org or by calling 330-836-5533. Stan Hywet encourages all members of the Akron community — and visitors from across the region — to experience this meaningful celebration of the people who made this city.
The 65-room Tudor Revival Stan Hywet mansion and 70-acre grounds were built by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his wife Gertrude beginning in 1912. Today, Stan Hywet is dedicated to cultural and educational enrichment through preservation and interpretation of the estate.
Photo: Goodyear Air Dock, U.S. National Archives. Built in 1929 by the Goodyear-Zeppelin Corporation it is one of the world’s largest buildings without internal supports.
