AKRON, Ohio - This month marks the opening of the 69th season of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
The historic estate, once home to F.A. Zeihlerling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., and his family, covers 70 acres. The estate, now a nonprofit museum, features a 65-room Tudor Revival mansion, Gate Lodge (birthplace of Alcoholics Anonymous), 10 historic gardens, and the Corbin Conservatory.
This year, the museum introduced a new exhibit detailing the construction of the estate. Events and educational programs planned for the 2024 season include favorites as well as new options.
Buy one, get one free
In April, visitors who purchase one tour ticket will receive a second ticket free of charge with a donation of non-perishable food items. All donations will be given to the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Most needed items include boxed cereal, peanut butter, canned tuna, canned vegetables, canned soup, and canned beef stew. This promotion does not apply to special events, according to the museum.
New exhibit
The museum's new "Blueprints to Bricks" exhibit is an interactive display on the estate's lower level. The exhibit provides detailed information about the construction of the 64,500-square-foot house, which took three years (1912-1915), according to the museum’s website. It also tells the stories of those who built this Tudor-style house, designed by Charles Summer Schneider.
Antiques Roadshow Viewing Party
Last year, several episodes of "Antiques Roadshow" were filmed at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. On April 29, from 8 to 9 p.m., the estate will host a viewing party for the episodes. Admission is free, but advance reservation is required. Community members can also watch the episodes on TV in April and May.
Woof Walks
Community members can bring their dogs for walks around the estate grounds every Sunday through October. Dogs must be on a leash, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. Entrance costs $15 for adults, $7 for children aged 3 to 17, and $5 per dog. For Stan Hywet members and their dogs, it is free.
Morning bird walks
Members of the Greater Akron Ornithological Society will lead morning walks around the estate to observe various bird species. Walks cost $10 for adults and are free for members of the society.
The walks will take place on April 28, May 19, July 19, and August 18 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Additional walks are scheduled for October 18 and November 8 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Mother's Day
Free admission (guided tour) for mothers on Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day. Family members accompanying them will pay regular prices: $19 for adults, $9 for youth aged 3 to 17, and free for children under 2 years old.
Plant sale
From May 18 to June 2, the estate will host its popular plant sale. The event will feature perennials from the garden, as well as ligularia and hanging baskets. The plant sale will be held in the inner courtyard from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Founder’s Day Weekend
June 7-9, the community will celebrate the 89th anniversary of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, which took place at Gate Lodge between two recognized alcoholics, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, on Mother’s Day in 1935. During this weekend, the estate offers free entry to Gate Lodge. Visitors can also explore the immersive exhibition “Henrietta Seiberling: A Spark for a Movement.”
Father’s Day Car Show
The 66th Classic, Antique & Collectible Car Show at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens will be held on June 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 400 classic, antique, and collectible cars from 1915-1999 will be on display. Additional details about the event will be announced on the estate’s website in the coming weeks.
Garden Gala
The Garden Gala in the historic Gardens and Western Terrace will take place on June 21, from 6 p.m. to midnight. The event features cocktails, dinner, dancing, parking, and a raffle with unique trips and experiences.
Ohio Mart
The 57th Ohio Mart Fair will return to the estate from October 3-6. Over 120 artisans will showcase and sell art, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and handcrafted furniture.
Deck the Hall
The 2024 season will conclude with the Deck the Hall holiday events from December 26-30. The estate will be decorated with over 1.2 million holiday lights displayed throughout the grounds.
The full list of events is available on the Stan Hywet website. Additional information about upcoming events will be posted on the site as it becomes available.
