Institute for Human Science and Culture

Institute for Human Science and Culture Hands-on humanities on the corner of campus and community. Visit https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/ to learn more. Forman Collection of Bags, and the David P.

We serve the communities of Akron and The University of Akron through arts and culture exhibits, events, and educational programs. The Institute for Human Science and Culture (IHSC) promotes the exploration and appreciation of the widespread human experience, both local and global, through the activation of museum collections. The IHSC enriches The University of Akron student experience with arts and culture activities, speakers, exhibitions, and programs, facilitating engagement and connections among UA departments to discover new and creative ways to nurture learning. We connect UA and Akron communities to learn from each other through arts and culture, expertise and experience, and hands-on teaching and learning. Our current collections include the Oak Native American Ethnographic Collection, the Lee L. Campbell Postcard Collection. These materials are exhibited in the Oak Native American Gallery and the Lynn Rodeman Metzger Galleries, along with work from students and local artists. The IHSC is located in the Cummings Center, a research center located at The University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. The CCHP cares for, provides access to, and interprets the historical record of psychology and related human sciences. Follow their social media at . Admission to the IHSC and CCHP is free for all The University of Akron students, faculty, and staff. We are also proud participants of the Museums for All program, offering discounted admission to guests who present a state-issued EBT card. All materials posted to this page are protected under Title 17 of the United States Code. For access and application for use contact us at [email protected].

The Institute is excited to welcome the newest member of our team: Maeve Marino! Maeve is an archaeologist with a focus ...
10/05/2026

The Institute is excited to welcome the newest member of our team: Maeve Marino! Maeve is an archaeologist with a focus on Midwestern archaeology, community archaeology, and cultural resource management. As the Institute’s Community Archaeologist, she runs the Community Archaeology Program and works closely with our partners to facilitate archaeological research and student field experiences. Maeve also helps to support collections research and NAGPRA work here at the Institute.

We’re delighted to have Maeve on our team!

[Image description: Maeve Marino, a light-skinned woman with long brown hair, smiling and standing in front of a wooden wall featuring the name “Institute for Human Science and Culture.”]

This week, Institute Curator Francisca Ugalde instructed students in our Public Humanities Graduate Certificate program ...
10/02/2026

This week, Institute Curator Francisca Ugalde instructed students in our Public Humanities Graduate Certificate program through the art of object documentation and photography. Students were challenged to create documentation photos for a variety of objects, dealing with reflective surfaces, unique textures, and damaged items.

The 2026-27 cohort of our Graduate Certificate program is well underway – but enrollment for our Undergraduate Museums & Archives Certificate begins on October 14! Learn more about these programs (open to all majors) at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/education/

[Image description: Instructor Francisca Ugalde and two students standing at a photography station with three standing spotlights. Ugalde is gesturing toward the lighting equipment while one student adjusts the lights.]

Heads up that the Institute Galleries will be closed to the public this Saturday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day...
09/03/2026

Heads up that the Institute Galleries will be closed to the public this Saturday, September 5 in observance of Labor Day. We’ll return to our regular hours on Tuesday. Wishing you all a restful holiday weekend!

[Image description: A museum gallery featuring a wall of decorative shopping bags. Text overlay reads “Galleries closed Saturday, September 5.”]

Akron Postcard Club meets TONIGHT at 6:00pm! Join us for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the David P. Campbell Pos...
08/26/2026

Akron Postcard Club meets TONIGHT at 6:00pm! Join us for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the David P. Campbell Postcard Collection. Attendees will get a “101” on navigating our postcard database, then try their hand at an interactive archival exercise. No experience required – this event will bring out the inner archivist in everyone!

Please bring a laptop, tablet, or smartphone if you're able. A small number of devices will be available to borrow on-site as needed.

Learn more about Akron Postcard Club at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/whats-on/postcard-club

[Image description: A student sitting in front of a laptop, a binder of postcards, and a tabletop scanner. He is about to digitize a postcard using the scanner. The Akron Postcard Club logo is displayed above.]

This week is your last chance to see Elyse Orosa’s “A Future In•Flux” in the Institute galleries! Orosa’s work spotlight...
08/25/2026

This week is your last chance to see Elyse Orosa’s “A Future In•Flux” in the Institute galleries! Orosa’s work spotlights contemporary issues, from media to healthcare to economic stress, impacting her generation. Combining impressionistic portraits with surreal compositions and details, her work occupies an uneasy space between nostalgia and impending risk.

Orosa’s work is on view now through August 29. Plan your visit at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/

[Image description: Watercolor painting of a woman sleeping on her side in bed, facing toward an open laptop. She holds a red fire axe loosely in her left hand.]

Join us this Wednesday, July 29 at 6:00pm to celebrate Akron Postcard Club’s 5th anniversary! We’ll put our skills to th...
07/27/2026

Join us this Wednesday, July 29 at 6:00pm to celebrate Akron Postcard Club’s 5th anniversary! We’ll put our skills to the test with a game show-style event, where history meets friendly competition. No experience required, just a sharp eye and a competitive spirit. All are welcome for this free event.

Learn more about Akron Postcard Club at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/whats-on/postcard-club

[Image description: Postcard image of three marching band members playing their instruments. The Akron Postcard Club logo is displayed above.]

Due to scheduled HVAC outages on The University of Akron campus and the upcoming 4th of July weekend, the Institute will...
06/30/2026

Due to scheduled HVAC outages on The University of Akron campus and the upcoming 4th of July weekend, the Institute will be closed Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4. We’ll return to our regular hours next Tuesday.

Stay cool and have a wonderful holiday weekend, Akron!

[Image description: A museum gallery. Text restates the message of the post.]

“Transplanted” by Naomi Torgler uses the image of the bonsai tree as a symbolic reference to her experiences as a Chines...
06/22/2026

“Transplanted” by Naomi Torgler uses the image of the bonsai tree as a symbolic reference to her experiences as a Chinese adoptee living in the United States. Throughout Torgler’s work, imagery associated with Chinese culture reflects the complex relationship between upbringing, self-perception, and cultural inheritance.

See more of Torgler’s work in the “Uprooted and Replanted” exhibit, on display now in the Institute galleries. Plan your visit at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/

[Image description: A realistic sculpture of the stump of a bonsai tree, protruding from a pot in the middle of an art gallery.]

Find your inner poet at next week’s Akron Postcard Club! Join us on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00pm for an evening of postc...
06/17/2026

Find your inner poet at next week’s Akron Postcard Club! Join us on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:00pm for an evening of postcard poetry, where creativity meets the written word. Using curated postcards as your canvas, you'll be guided through the process of creating Found Poetry and Blackout Poetry. Attendees will leave with a postcard poem ready to drop in the mailbox! All supplies provided.

This month’s meeting theme was created by Ivy Keeper, a graduate student in the Institute's Public Humanities Certificate. Learn more about Akron Postcard Club at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/whats-on/postcard-club

[Image description: Postcard image of a man and woman reading together on a couch. The Akron Postcard Club logo hovers in the foreground.]

It’s time to tell your story! Join the Akron Postcard Club TONIGHT, May 27 at 6pm for our annual Postcard Show & Tell. B...
05/27/2026

It’s time to tell your story! Join the Akron Postcard Club TONIGHT, May 27 at 6pm for our annual Postcard Show & Tell. Bring a postcard and a story to share - snacks will be provided.

Learn more about Akron Postcard Club at https://www.uakron.edu/ihsc/whats-on/postcard-club

[Image description: Pairs of people sitting across from each other and talking. Postcards are spread out on the table between them.]

Address

73 S College Street
Akron, OH
44325

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 4pm
Wednesday 1pm - 8pm
Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+13309727952

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