Recognition recently received from the city of Akron is an important first step in getting the John Brown House on the National Register of Historic Places.

Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO of the Summit County Historical Society, told Akron City Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee on Oct. 27 that the house is recognized as a national site for the Underground Railroad. However, she said, that recognition doesn't extend locally or nationally.

She explained that if Akron during its bicentennial year were to acknowledge the structure's significance, it would tee up the next step.

"Our future goal is that we'll apply for the National Register of Historic Places to make sure that all people in our nation recognize John Brown's influence," said Heppner, "in which the

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