The Summit County Historical Society and the John Brown Institute are holding a thank-you celebration and open house at the John Brown House on the abolitionist's 223rd birthday, May 9. The free event runs from 4-6 p.m. at 514 Diagonal Road in Akron and includes a donor wall unveiling. At 6:30 p.m., the City of Joy Enrichment Center down the street (610 W. Exchantge St.) features educator and magician Rory Rennick with his magic show. He will portray Henry "Box" Brown who shipped himself to freedom and became an African American magician. For more information, call 330.535.1120; or visit
summithistory.org.