Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 2019 Annual Report

Dear Friends
In 2019, we shared the passion of Gertrude Seiberling for the arts along with her many talents as an artist herself with the season’s theme
Art: Lasting Impressions. Gertrude used her artistic vision to lead the design of the estate of Stan Hywet and later in life used the very same
design elements of the estate as a basis for her own art. The programs, exhibits, tours and activities of the season spotlighted her work
drawing over 126,000 visitors from near and far.
As part of the season, Stan Hywet sought out the talents of local artist to create Fused, a garden exhibit utilizing Gertrude’s paintings
as inspiration melding modern art with the old showcasing 15 sculptures throughout the gardens for all to enjoy. In the manor house,
Gertrude’s paintings were displayed as an art gallery throughout its halls providing a deeper look into her skills as an artist.
Stan Hywet continued to engage new community partners working with Akron Marathon organizers and partners throughout the city to
host the starting line of the newly designed Akron Marathon course. Thousands of runners gathered on the grounds of Stan Hywet on that
September morning to begin their journey throughout Akron in support of Akron Children’s Hospital and many other individual causes. Stan
Hywet also continued its work to remove financial barriers of access to those in need through its partnership with Akron Public Schools to
provide 2,000 memberships to APS families free of charge along with continuing the “Museums for All” program in collaboration with four
other peer organizations (Akron Zoo, Akron Art Museum, Akron Children’s Museum and Summit County Historical Society).
Stan Hywet once again presented fun filled public events including the Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast, Father’s Day Car Show featuring
art cars, the first annual “Off the Vine” wine tasting and culinary event, Shakespeare showcasing “Hamlet” and “Measure for Measure”,
the second year of the Molto Bella Auto Show welcoming over 4,500 car enthusiasts in partnership with the Summit County Kidney
Foundation, another record setting Ohio Mart and Deck the Hall celebrating “Class Comic Hero Christmas”. Deck the Hall, using the
superpowers of its staff and volunteers, saw over 36,000 guests and for the third straight year was recognized as one of the top five
“Historic Holiday Tours” by USA Today.
The grounds and gardens throughout the estate reflected the beauty of a painting as a result of the artistry of our dedicated horticulture
team and volunteers. In addition to providing a place of respite and inspiration to all of our visitors, the gardens provided a backdrop for
over 48 wedding ceremonies with couples celebrating their special day and over 21 Corporate events planned and executed by Stan
Hywet’s committed Rentals team.
Stan Hywet’s restoration efforts continued in 2019. More restored rooms were revealed including the Billiard Room and F.A.’s Office.
We were extremely excited to complete restoration of the trim work and balconies of the Manor House while planning for the Lagoon
Restoration project. These projects continue our initiatives developed as part of the 2015 2nd Century restoration campaign and could not
have been accomplished without the generous support provided by our donors ensuring this amazing place of rich history will be around
for many years to come.
As we make are way through the challenges of 2020, we are so thankful for the continued support of all of our visitors, donors and
volunteers standing with Stan Hywet has they have throughout its over sixty year history. We look forward to the bright future of Stan
Hywet sharing its legacy and resources with all of you.
With continued gratitude,
R. Mark Wernig Sean M. Joyce
Chairman of the Board
President & Executive Director
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