Home of John Brown, Akron

The Home of John Brown is a historic house associated with abolitionist John Brown, who later became known for his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. Built around 1830, the frame house was purchased by Colonel Simon Perkins in 1844 and rented to Brown and his family from 1844 to 1854. During these years, Brown worked with Perkins in a wool-growing partnership, caring for sheep and preparing wool for sale.

The house provides insight into a less familiar period of Brown’s life, before the events that made him a major figure in American abolitionist history. He used the property as a home base while traveling for the wool business and continued building support for the anti-slavery cause. Today, the “Family. Farm. Freedom.” exhibit explores his family life, farming activities and abolitionism through displays and interactive elements. A bust of Brown by artist Woodrow Nash is also part of the interpretation.

The building itself reflects several periods of use. It was later connected with an early golf club, which added a large meeting gallery, and subsequent owners altered parts of the interior. Restoration work has preserved its historic wooden exterior and other surviving features. The house is now maintained as a museum by the Summit County Historical Society and can be visited on guided tours.