"In 2006 we discovered tremendous interest among families exploring our local history," said Plusquellic. "This year we wanted to broaden the scope of their exploration by allowing families to visit many of the sites where Akron's legacy was formed."

Last year, almost 10,000 pieces of literature were distributed that focused on the 75th anniversary of Depression-era buildings that were opened in the same year. An important part of the project was the "Akron History Passport," which encouraged visitors to get their passports "stamped" at 22 separate history locations. More than 100 individuals completed all 22 stops and won prizes for their achievement.

The 2007 History Trails digest also includes a 16-stop passport that can be stamped at each historic site, but focuses more on history "trails," that will allow families to learn Akron history by following maps to historic sites:

• Twenty Historic monuments and markers located in Downtown Akron
• The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath and the Cuyahoga Valley
• The historic Indian trail, the Portage Path
• A "Founders" trail of Akron's earliest frontier sites
• Industrial Trails emphasizing the city's role in Ceramics, Farm Machinery, and Rubber
• African-American History
• Sites important to the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous
• Historic Homes, including Perkins Mansion, the Hower House, and Stan Hywet, and
• A trail of sites relevant to the Great Depression.

The 2007 History Trails project was launched today at the dedication of an Ohio Historical marker to The Glendale Steps, a 1936 WPA project. The recognition and plaque were sponsored by Progress Through Preservation, Akron's volunteer preservation organization.

Inspiration for the History Trails project came from Akron Deputy Mayor for Administration Dave Lieberth. "So many of our historic monuments and markers have been placed by people who worked to protect our legacy over the decades, but the sites remain unknown to the majority of those who live and work in Akron. We wanted to call attention to each of our war memorials in particular, and the markers to those who created the Akron of today," said Lieberth.

Collaborating in the project were 19 history-minded organizations. In addition to the City and the Summit County Historical Society, others participating included the Akron A.A. Archives, the American Toy Marble Museum, Akron Fire Department, Akron Police Department, Akron-Summit County Public Library, Cascade Locks Park Association, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Downtown Akron Partnership, FirstMerit Corporation, Hower House, the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron's Black History, Metro RTA, Metro Parks Serving Summit County, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the TV Dinner Club Museum, and the University of Akron's Archival Services.

The 36-page color brochure was designed and printed by Akron Publishing Company.