Summit County Historical Society

Sometimes nothing is better than a cold beer on a hot summer day like the ones we’ve been experiencing.  Did you know that Akron was once home to three nationally recognized brewing companies and that brewing was a major part of Akron’s German culture?

The Burkhardt Brewing Company, Grant St. Akron.

Join the Summit County Historical Society July 24th at 12:00pm to learn more about this fascinating piece of local history.  We will visit the Thirsty Dog Brewing Company (located in the historic Burkhardt Brewery) on Grant St to brew up a little history. 

Learn all about the early brewing process, Akron’s historic breweries, industry characters such as Wilhelm and Margaretha Burkhardt, and how beer is made today.

The event includes a tour of the brewery, boxed lunch from the Diamond Deli, tastings, and a brew school.  Cost is $23 per person.  Reservation and payment required in advance by July 19th.  Space is limited!  Call 330-535-1120 to reserve your spot.

In the meantime, please visit the temporary exhibit “Brewing Beer at the Summit” at Main Place in downtown Akron.  The exhibit covers the brewing process, the historic breweries in Akron, and today’s Akron breweries.  Artifacts on display are from the Historical Society’s collection and from the personal collection of Thirsty Dog owner John Najeway.   Special assistance for the exhibit was provided by the Special Collections Division of the Akron-Summit County Public Library and Abruzzo’s Homebrew and Supply.

George J. Renner Brewing Company Delivery Wagon