Do you have a story to share about your family history in the Greater Akron area? Perhaps you’re getting together at a summer gathering with relatives who have an Akron connection and they have a story to share? Then the folks at Akron’s historic Stan Hywet want to hear about it.
The historic museum and mansion is developing an exhibit and video series for its 2026 season to coincide with America 250-Ohio, the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Families that Built Akron will explore Akron’s history from the perspective of its residents. The exhibit will emphasize the significant role of individuals and families in the creation of Akron with engaging and inclusive narratives that represent the city’s diverse history.
Stan Hywet’s directors are looking for photographs, videos/film, and other supplemental documents (diaries/journals, emigration records, letters, and military records, etc.) to capture important moments in time through the perspective of those who experienced them. The organization isn’t collecting materials at this time; instead, it’s gauging interest from residents to determine interest in lending personal documents. and others in the community in lending these personal documents.
Interested? Please complete this form and describe your family documents.
Many of the submissions may not be accepted, and there’s no guarantee that all submitted documents will be used in the final project. If your materials are chosen, a member of the curatorial team will contact you to begin the loan process.
Questions? Please contact:
Bailey Yoder: [email protected] or 330.315.3226
Katrina Neff: [email protected] or 330.315.3291
Photo courtesy Stan Hywet
