The Future of Firestone: A Community Conversation

Date: Thursday, February 5th at 6:30pm

Location: 17 S. Maple Street, St. Vincent de Paul Parish School - Corrigan Hall, Akron, OH 44303

Details: Firestone Plant 1 is at a turning point. With demolition paused and the City considering preservation options, now is the time for community voices to be heard. Join Progress Through Preservation for a Community Town Hall to hear what’s being considered, why preserving the full building matters, and what could come next. We’ll also have Q&A, a short survey, and ways to stay involved.

Sign + Share the “Save The Firestone Plant 1 Building” Petition by clicking here!

Glendale Rising- The First Step Fundraiser

Date: Saturday, March 21st at 6:30pm

Location: The Trailhead at Cascade Locks, 21 W. North Street, Akron, OH 44304

For Reservations:  Glendale Rising: The First Step

From Stagecoaches to Speakeasies: A Tour of Olesia's Taverne of Richfield

Date: Tuesday, June 9th at 5:00 pm

Location: Olesia's Taverne of Richfield - 3960 Broadview Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286 

Details: Join us for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of one of Richfield's most recognizable historic landmarks. Originally constructed in 1886 as a stagecoach stop and tavern along the busy route between Cleveland and Akron, the building welcomed travelers, local residents, and community gatherings during an era when horse-drawn transportation connected Ohio's growing towns.

Following the tour, guests are invited to relax on the patio, where drinks and appetizers will be available for purchase.

RSVP by Sunday, June 7th by clicking here.

Mustill Store & Cascade Locks Tour

Date: Sunday, July 12, 2026

Location: Mustill Store at Cascade Locks, 57 W North St, Akron, OH 44304

Join us for a guided exploration of Akron's canal heritage at the historic Mustill Store and Cascade Locks.

Built during the canal era, the Mustill Store stands as one of the last surviving reminders of the Ohio & Erie Canal's role in Akron's early growth and development. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about canal commerce, local industry, and the preservation efforts that saved this important landmark for future generations.

Guests may choose between two tour options:

Store + Hiking Tour
Begins at 4:00 PM and includes a guided walk to Lock 10 and the former mill site, followed by a tour of the Mustill Store.

Store Only Tour
Begins at 5:00 PM with a guided tour of the Mustill Store.

The Mustill Store remains part of the legacy of Progress Through Preservation's own Virginia "Ginny" Wojno-Forney, a longtime leader and preservation advocate whose vision and dedication helped transform Cascade Locks from a forgotten landscape into a place where Akron's history can be experienced firsthand.

For a double dose of preservation and history, consider visiting Lock 15 Brewing Company before or after the tour. Open until 9:00 PM, the brewery is located in the former Swinehart Tire Company building, a recipient of the Summit County Architectural Heritage Award.

Advance RSVP is requested. Please select either the Store + Hiking Tour or the Store Only Tour when registering.

RSVP by Thursday, July 9th by clicking here.

An Exclusive Tour of Leonora Hall: The Historic John Kerch Mansion

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:30 am

Location: Leonora Hall, 39 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303

Details: Step inside one of Akron's most remarkable historic estates before it enters its next chapter.

Originally built in 1918 as the opulent estate of industrialist John Kerch, President of the Twentieth Century Furnace Company, this remarkable Tudor Revival mansion is one of Akron's architectural treasures.

In 1946, the Daughters of Divine Charity transformed the estate into Leonora Hall, creating a welcoming home for working women before later serving retired sisters, seniors, and women seeking semi-independent supportive living.

For nearly eight decades, Leonora Hall provided a place of hospitality, faith, and community while carefully preserving the beauty and architectural character of the original mansion.

Now, as the property prepares to go to auction on July 13, this may be your last opportunity to step inside and experience one of Akron's most extraordinary historic homes.

Advance RSVP is requested. 

RSVP by Thursday, July 9th by clicking here.