Opening Exhibit Reception

Archives and Special Collections of University Libraries recently curated a new exhibit at the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History & Culture, in recognition of Akron’s Bicentennial. Titled “‘Our Contribution to the City:’ Black Life in Akron in the 1930s and ‘40s, as Seen through the Lens of Horace & Evelyn Stewart,” the exhibit features nearly 50 historic black and white photographs documenting the Black community in Akron during the Great Depression and World War II. The images, which are part of Archives and Special Collections, were recently digitized with grant funding from the Council on Library & Information Resources. They were taken by Horace and Evelyn Stewart, a husband-and-wife team of professional Black photographers who owned and operated Stewart’s Photo Studio on N. Howard St. in Akron from 1934 to 1978.

An opening reception will take place on Wednesday, November 19th from 4pm-6pm in the McClain Gallery located in the Buckingham Building. The images below show the completed exhibit and a selection of photos featured in the exhibit, as well as pictures of the Forgotten History Forum Series event titled “The Research & Legacy of Dr. Shirla R. McClain,” which took place in the McClain Gallery on October 28th. Light refreshments will be served and all are welcome.

Parking for visitors without a UA Parking pass is available in Lot 34 located at 275 Wolf Ledges Parkway. Please look for the “Event Parking” sign which will be placed at the entrance of this reserved section.

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