Client
Akron History Center
Services
- Concept Ideation
- Design and Engineering
- Custom Carpentry
- Metal Fabrication
- Interactive Production
- Graphic Design and Production
- Logistics and Material Handling
- Onsite Installation Supervision and Labor
- Project Management
Akron History Center: A Celebration 200 Years in The Making
The Akron History Center (AHC) is located in a three-story, 3,000 sq. ft. building in the historic Bowery district of Akron, Ohio. Showcasing Akron’s rich 200-year history, the customized exhibits feature archival materials and artifacts from local partners, including the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the Summit County Historical Society, as well as individual donors. Visitors encounter interactive displays highlighting Akron’s pivotal role in industries such as tire production, clay products, toy and cereal manufacturing, and other Akron-centric innovations. The city’s contributions to the music industry, including the Akron Sound of the 1980s, and significant historical figures such as early settler General Simon Perkins and Challenger astronaut Judith Resnik, are prominently featured.
The goal of the AHC was to provide a comprehensive narrative of the city’s past, celebrating its contributions to social justice, innovation, and culture. With funding sources in place, including $500,000 from the City of Akron, $100,000 from Summit County government, and $100,000 from the Akron Community Foundation, Communication Exhibits was tasked with design, fabrication, and installation of the museum.
Challenge
With Akron’s 2025 Bicentennial celebration approaching, the planning and gathering collections for the exhibits had already begun. The design and detail of a museum that occupies three floors of a century-old building has its challenges, including developing a layout that works for historical chronology while respecting the structural integrity of the space. Because of the historic designation of the space, restrictions required by the governing preservation authorities were carefully considered throughout the ideation, design, planning and installation processes.
Communications Exhibits started the design process for the museum in the fall of 2022, focusing on telling Akron’s story one floor at a time, reflecting every unique era of Akron’s history within the architecture of each display. It was important that the visitors would have an expanded knowledge and awareness of Akron’s impact on the region and the world. As Akron History Center’s President, local historian Dave Lieberth shared, “These stories need to be told. It is important that people know the past that may have been forgotten or underreported.”
It quickly become apparent that telling the story of Akron’s history in 3,000 square feet was going to take extraordinary creative ideation combined with innovative space utilization.
Our Approach
Working in tandem with strategic museum planners Dennis and Kathy Barrie, it was decided to use each of the three floors to tell a finite, discreet portion of the Akron story, each one covering a specific time period. With that in mind, it seemed logical to place the oldest chapters of the story on the lower-level entrance, which was situated adjacent to the 19th century canal that was such a key factor for the early growth of the young town. The middle floor was designated for the city’s great years of growth in the 20th century, and the top level – with an additional entrance from Akron’s Main Street central downtown business district – was reserved to present Akron’s most recent history as a way of inviting theater-goers, area college students, and local business patrons into the experience.
Remaining in continuous contact with team members, local historians, and project contractors was key to developing and maintaining the timeline and budget, as well orchestrating the fabrication and installation of the exhibit properties. Communication was key and flexibility was critical to the project’s success.
Solution
Visitors are immersed in Akron’s history from the moment they step onto a vinyl floor graphic of the 1899 Ohio and Erie Canal map. Wall panels made from historic local wood feature touchscreens that share early stories, including a mastodon bone, Underground Railroad artifacts, and canal construction. The second floor highlights Akron’s industrial era with rubber sheeting, chrome accents, and exhibits like “The Rubber Room,” historic tires, blimp memorabilia, and the door of Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder “Dr. Bob” Smith.
On the top floor, bright colors and pop culture displays celebrate Akron’s modern history. Interactive touchscreens let guests build a NASCAR tire, explore the impact of 64 notable Akronites, and view music relics from artists like Devo and The Black Keys.
Custom flooring, wall graphics, and artifact displays fill every inch of the space. A suspended USS Akron truss sample, a soap box derby car, and a vintage bicycle anchor the three-story atrium. Even the stairwell tells a story, with “Twenty Steps to Social Justice” tracing key moments in Akron’s fight for equity and inclusion.
“CEI took our vision and turned it into reality. They became our partner in every aspect of creating this museum.”
Dave Lieberth, PresidentResult
The Akron History Center is poised to make a significant impact on the community by preserving and sharing the often-overlooked stories of Akron’s past. The AHC exemplifies the breadth of Akron’s history as so much more than The Rubber Capitol. With a special focus on notable residents such as Challenger astronaut Judith Resnik and influential music groups like Devo, The Black Keys, and Delores Parker Morgan, the center aims to inspire a new generation of Akron’s youth. The exhibits not only reflect Akron’s industrial and social heritage, but they also include narratives that celebrate the contributions of various communities, ensuring that both celebrated and obscure stories are brought to light.
See how we helped Spangler Candy Company create Spangler Candy World, an immersive attraction blending history, STEM exhibits, interactive entertainment, and a retail shop.
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