THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON'S DRS. NICHOLAS AND DOROTHY CUMMINGS
Center for the History of Psychology
In Association with the Smithsonian Institution
About the Center
The Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, located at The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, collects, preserves, provides access to, and interprets the historical record of psychology and related human sciences. Read more.
The Center houses the Archives of the History of American Psychology and the National Museum of Psychology, as well as the multidisciplinary Institute for Human Science and Culture.
Read our mission and values.
Land Acknowledgement
The Cummings Center is located on the ancestral lands of many diverse nations. These lands were ceded in the 1805 Treaty of Fort Industry and tribes forcibly removed through the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The Cummings Center pays respect to the land and lives of Indigenous Nations past and present, and is committed to a process of continual honoring, learning, reflection and reconciliation.
Read our full Land Acknowledgement.
News and Events
Explore the Art of Expressive Therapy
Join us for a free conversation with music therapist Elizabeth Germano and narrative medicine coordinator Nicole Robinson, who will discuss the diverse, multimedia world of expressive therapy. This presentation will cover the benefits of expressive therapy, career paths into music therapy and narrative medicine, and the innovative approaches to healing happening right here in Akron, Ohio.
The free event will be held on Thursday, March 13 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Learn more and RSVP now.
Save the Date for the 2025 Benjamin Lecture
The Cummings Center for the History of Psychology is pleased to announce that Daniel T. Willingham, PhD will be our Featured Speaker for the 2025 Ludy T. Benjamin, Jr. Distinguished Lecture in the History of Psychology. Willingham is an acclaimed psychologist whose research has focused on the application of cognitive psychology to K-16 education.
The 2024 Benjamin Lecture will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Learn more about the event.
Statement on Dr. Nicholas Cummings and Sexual Orientation Change Efforts
The Cummings Center for the History of Psychology is named for Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings, in recognition of their significant financial support for the Center. We at the Center acknowledge that Dr. Nicholas Cummings spoke and wrote in support of sexual orientation change efforts in therapeutic settings when requested by the client. Nicholas Cummings’ words and his stature gave legitimacy and encouragement to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations, and his public statements on sexual orientation retain the ongoing potential to cause harm.
Major organizations focused on mental health have found no empirical basis supporting sexual orientation change efforts and evidence indicates such practices cause harm. We at the Cummings Center stand firmly with these organizations in opposing sexual orientation change efforts, acknowledging their roots in stigma, prejudice, and hate. Read our full statement, as well as a history of Dr. Cummings’ statements and writings on sexual orientation.
Location, hours and contact
73 South College Street, Akron, OH, 44325-4302
Museum and Institute Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Sunday and Monday: Closed
For additional information on travel, mobility, health and safety, and more, visit our Accessibility page.
Archives: By appointment
Phone: 330-972-7285
Email: ahap@uakron.edu
Parking: A small free parking lot is adjacent to the Cummings Center, on College St. There are also parking meters located along College St. and free visitor parking available in Lot 30 (corner of College and Market streets). UA staff, faculty, and student parking is available in Lot 40, off Mill St.
Please be aware that The University of Akron is in the process of updating its on-campus parking policies. We anticipate that these changes may impact our visitor lots. We are monitoring the situation and will update this information as soon as any changes occur.
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Cummings Center for the History of Psychology
Institute for Human Science and Culture
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