Last week I visited the National Museum of Psychology for the first time. The University of Akron museum has been on my list of local places to check out since moving here, and it did not disappoint. It includes both permanent and rotating exhibits as well as hands-on opportunities for visitors.
Jennifer Bazar, the museum’s assistant director, and Tony Pankuch, the education and outreach coordinator, led an engaging tour about race and psychology that explored the deep history of racism in the field, from how Black patients in institutions were treated to biased intelligence testing of immigrants and children of color. In one horrifying story, Bazar and Pankuch explained how enslaved people who ran away were diagnosed as mentally ill.
The museum is open for tours Tuesday through Saturday. Check out its tours and workshops and events pages for more opportunities to visit.
Three things to do this weekend in Akron:
The Ohio Shakespeare Festival will stage “The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby” Friday at 8 p.m. at Greystone Hall. The production is based on the Charles Dickens novel and follows the protagonist as he navigates the trials of Victorian England and tries to overcome his life of poverty. Tickets start at $20 for adults and are $5 for students.
Adults will have the Akron Children’s Museum to themselves for its Grown Up Play Date Fundraiser Saturday at 7 p.m. The museum will transform into the Las Vegas strip for one night as guests enjoy food, dancing, live entertainment, games and raffles. General admission tickets are $100. For $165, a high roller ticket will give guests early entry to the event, a signature cocktail, access to exclusive games and more.
Brides-to-be won’t want to miss Today’s Bride Akron Wedding Show this Sunday at the Knight Center. More than 100 area vendors will be on hand to help couples plan their perfect wedding. Activities include fashion shows, cake and reception table galleries, catering samples and a beauty bar. General admission tickets are $12 online or $15 at the door.
Catch it before it goes
The 88th Juried Student Exhibition at the University of Akron Myers School of Art runs through Saturday. The gallery is open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arnold Tunstall, director of university art galleries, said the gallery will be open Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.
