Giving to the Hower House Museum
Since 1871 the Hower House has been part of the Akron landscape.

Building & preserving Akron history since 1871

Since 1970, the Hower House Museum (HHM) has been part of The University of Akron.

The property was deeded to UA in 1970 by the Hower family. Significant both architecturally and historically, the building opened to the public as an historic house museum in the mid-1980s.

Since that time, HHM has become a valued educational resource in the areas of Akron’s industrial past, decorative arts, culture, textile conservation, architectural history, providing hands on museum and archival practices for students of all ages.

Your gift will help us continue the work of preserving the Hower legacy of education and service to the community and region through the care, research, and interpretation of the Hower family, their thoughtful contributions to Akron, and collections, all providing a tangible link to a storied past.

Please donate online or consider becoming a member of the Hower House Museum Guild.

You may designate your gift to support one of the following:

  • General operations fund that supports the daily operation of the Hower House Museum, and its small paid staff that cares for the collections, conducts research on the collection and family to develop educational programming for public tours.
  • Ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the Hower House Museum, built in 1871.

Special initiatives that could use your help:

  • Replacement of our failing cooling system (projected completion in 2023):

Six air conditioners and seven air handlers installed in the 1980s have or are failing and urgently need to be replaced. Maintaining moderate temperatures/low humidity is crucial to responsible stewardship for this aging collection and structure.

  • Carriage House Phase 2 repairs:

Plans to finish the lower level of the Carriage House include reinstalling the horse stalls, recreating the blacksmith shop, new entry doors and windows, repair of exterior soffit and fascia boards, and repainting the exterior. Our goal is to expand educational tour offerings through interpretation of the lower level and in support of the existing main level exhibit space.

How will your gift benefit the Hower House Museum?

The Hower House Museum has been part of The University of Akron campus since 1970. Our funding comes from multiple sources including support from the Hower Family, funds raised by our Museum Guild, and private donations from community members.

Donations to the Hower House Museum are processed through The University of Akron Foundation, a non-profit 501 (c) 3. Your support provides resources for educational tours, exhibits, collection care and preservation.