Founded in 1924, the mission of Summit County Historical Society is to preserve and interpret the history of Summit County and Akron, and to educate regional communities about the people and events that have shaped our rich history.The Society, a 501(c)3 corporation, owns and manages several properties including the Perkins Stone Mansion, home of Akron's founding family; John Brown House, home of the internationally recognized abolitionist; and Old Stone School in downtown Akron - a partnership with Akron Public Schools. May through September, the Society hosts sheep on Mutton Hill with herd demonstrations and special programming for children and adults. This interpretation represents the time period in the 1840s and 1850s when abolitionist John Brown was the shepherd to 1300-1500 sheep on this hillside. He worked for Colonel Simon Perkins, the son of Akron's co-founder, who was the state senator that helped create the County of Summit in 1840.The Society's work represents the founding family of Akron and Summit County, the role of abolitionist John Brown in ending slavery in the United States, and the importance of our local history here in reference to our city, county, state and nation.

Akron History Summit County History Local History Regional History Education Interpretation Preservation Special Events House Museum History Properties Humanities Arts and Culture Clothing and Textiles Three dimensional artifacts John Brown Simon Perkins family Portage Path Outreach - children and adults Museums Museums and Art Galleries Museums and Institutions