Tours of the Summit County Historical Society's historic structures start at the office and Woodshed Emporium Gift Shop located behind the Perkins Stone Mansion. Tickets include guided tours of both buildings. EventBrite online ticket sales end 24 hours prior to tour times. Tours are also available without an appointment if tickets are still open per day and may be purchased at the gift shop.
The Perkins Stone Mansion was constructed between 1835 and 1837 with funds paid by Akron's founder, General Simon Perkins, for his son and daugther-in-law, Colonel Simon Perkins and Grace Tod Perkins. Colonel Simon Perkins was instrumental in helping to form Summit County as a state senator in 1840. Their home and its properties represent tremendous change in Akron and Summit County from agriculture to industry, military might and transportation history.
The theme for the 2025 season at the old stone house is "kNOw PERKINS - kNOw AKRON' curated by Denise Lundell. Take a journey through time using the lens of Society artifacts on display this year for Akron's Bicentennial. From its founding to industry and famous people, there's something for everyone.
There is a temporary exhibit in the John Brown House featuring the Society's LGBTQ+ artifacts donated by Sandra Kurt featuring Out in Akron, Society Director Emeritus Jen and Marcus Hardin featuring a headdress made and worn by Miss Cherry Veneer, and various pieces collected during Akron Pride Festivals by Society volunteers. Society Board Director Theresa S. Beyerle, Ph.D., has loaned artifacts from her participation in the Akron Gay Games and her literature collection.
This exhibit will be up until September 6th.