The Seiberling family provided financial support for war-related organizations, shifted rubber production from domestic to military goods, and sent their sons and grandsons into battle to fight two world wars. In addition to touring the Seiberling estate, guests may view the permanent exhibit, “The Seiberling Legacy,” which highlights the family's legacy including their contributions to both world wars.
Visit www.stanhywet.org for hours of operation.
Recently opened display in the Ohio Military Museum section, located on the mezzanine level, accessible by elevator. The display covers the story of World War One from the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, through the occupation of Germany by the victorious Allies after the war. The display consists of text, posters, photographs, art work, and uniforms and artifacts of the American Doughboy, including a life-size fully equipped Doughboy mannequin. American volunteers, such as the Lafayette Escadrille and the American Field Service (AFS) ambulance drivers for France, who entered the war before America officially became a combatant, are noted as well. The majority of the display discusses the American involvement, including the branches of service involved as well as a selection of technological advances created to meet military needs. MAPS hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9am-4:30pm; Sunday, 11:30am-4pm; closed Mondays. Telephone: 330-896-6332 https://mapsairmuseum.org.
An exhibit detailing the history of World War I and its impact on Akron history, including the local effects of the Influenza Pandemic of 2018.
Summit County Historical Society exhibit "Akron and Summit County Enter World War I," located in the main lobby of the Summit County Courthouse.
Archival Services of University Libraries at the University of Akron displays: "Documenting Our Doughboys," located on the first floor of Bierce Library, features historic letters and photographs from local soldiers. "Mary Gladwin and the Great War," located in Archival Services on the Lower Level of the Polsky Building in downtown Akron, showcases historic World War I photographs, letters, diaries, and medals of Akron nurse Mary E. Gladwin. Also on display in Archival Services, is the display "Highlights from the Greatest History of the World War" which includes numerous scrapbooks featuring rare World War I newspapers, periodicals, and artworks published during the war."
Join presenter Dave Gates as he shares the experiences of “Over There” using artifacts from Akron residents who served in the Great War. The program will last 1 hour. It’s free for Veterans and Society members, $10 for nonmembers.
Joseph N. Rubin’s Orchestra pays tribute to the music that won "The Great War" in Over There: The Music of World War One. This concert will transport audiences on a musical journey through popular music of the war years of 1914-1918 by some of the greatest American composers of all time including George M. Cohan, Jerome Kern, and Victor Herbert. Immortal songs "Over There," “K-K-K Katy,” “Smiles,” "How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm," "Goodbye Broadway, Hello France" and more will be brought to life again in their original orchestrations for the first time in a century. Heidi Swinford, favorite leading soprano on Northern Ohio stages, will recreate selections originally introduced by Vaudeville stars Nora Bayes and Elsie Janis.
This new, locally-produced documentary recounts the experiences of Summit County residents during World War I. Combining dramatic first-person accounts, narration, interviews and music, the film brings to life period letters, films, photographs and documents from local archives. Panel discussion to follow. This event is free and open to the public. There is no charge for parking in the High/Market parking deck for those who enter after 6 pm and receive a Library validation stamp. For more information about Downtown Akron and available parking, visit the Downtown Akron Partnership website.
For more information and to view an excerpt from the film, visit lost voices.
Have what it takes to be a WWI soldier “over there” or a civilian over here in Akron 100 years ago? Join us on Sunday, July 15th to travel back in time to the year 1918 to find out! Take a military mental test. Try on a WWI army uniform. Meet an AEF (American Expeditionary Force) soldier. Listen to period music. And, chat with one of the Seiberling’s friends, business associates or staff members in the Manor House to discover what life was really like at this critical time in our community’s history. Also, don’t forget to check out the Akron Cup were ten vintage “base ball” teams will be playing in simultaneous matches all day long on the Great Meadow!
This hike will highlight sites relating to World War I and Akron's involvement in the war. The hike is approximately one mile.
This hike will highlight World War I items available at the Special Collections Division of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, as well as the opportunities for research there. After visiting Special Collections, we will head outside to talk about the old Akron Armory and other sites downtown relating to World War I.
The University of Akron Chamber Choir and Madrigalchor from the Hochschule für Musik und Theatre München are joining musical forces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. $12 general and $6 students. 330-253-2488 or UA Events.
A screening of the 2010 PBS miniseries For Love Of Liberty: The Story Of America's Black Patriots. Gain an unprecedented look at the experiences and accomplishments of African Americans in the military, and learn why a group of heroic men and women would fight for the freedoms of others that they themselves were not able to enjoy. Hosted by Halle Berry, with an introduction by Colin Powell, and featuring the voices of Morgan Freeman, Bill Cosby, Danny Glover, John Travolta, and many more. Included in the film is a poignant section dedicated to black servicemen and women of World War I, a timely presentation during this 100th anniversary of the Great War. For questions, call 330.864.5721 or maplevalley@akronlibrary.org
To show appreciation and gratitude to all veterans and members of the military for their service, please visit the Estate on Veterans Day for a complimentary admission and self-guided tour of Stan Hywet, including the Manor House, gardens, Gate Lodge and Corbin Conservatory. With this year marking the centennial commemoration of the United States entering World War I, we also remember those in our community who served their country during the Great War just as the Seiberling's eldest son, Army Lieutenant John Frederick Seiberling. For more information, please visit www.stanhywet.org.
April - December 2017, guests to the estate may take a tour of the Manor House, viewing artifacts and articles from F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling's oldest son, Fred Seiberling, who served in France during World War I, from 1917-1918. A new permanent exhibit, The Seiberling Legacy, highlights the family's legacy including its contributions to both World Wars. Visit www.stanhywet.org for hours of operation.
Military historian Eric Johnson and accredited genealogist Michael Strauss will discuss researching the military service of ancestors, including a session dedicated to researching World War I servicemen and women.
Mind, Body & Sole summer reading/exercise program begins. Reading guide available for World War I-themed resources and activities
Walking tours highlighting World War I-related themes throughout Summit County. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Summit County Historical Society and Summit Metro Parks.
As part of Vintage Days at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War. Visit with partnering agencies to discover more about Akron's role at the time, view artifacts and listen to stories from business associates of the Seiberling family about life at the time at the Stan Hywet estate. At 1:30pm, join the special program "Akron Goes to War: 1914-1918" presented by Dr. Kevin Kern, Associate Professor of History at The University of Akron. For more information, please visit www.stanhywet.org/events/vintage-days.
Downtown walking tour highlighting World War I veterans. Meet in the lobby of the Polsky Building off High Street. Free and open to the public. Sponsored by Summit County Historical Society and Summit Metro Parks.
Akron and Summit County's Official Commemoration of U.S. Entry into World War I. Sponsored by Summit County Historical Society.