By Kathryn DeLong

Local interior designers have transformed the Summit County Historical Society's Perkins Stone Mansion into a richly decorated holiday destination.

Tales of Christmas Past - A Holiday Event in the Historical Tradition, offers a great opportunity to see the latest styles in holiday design and to discover distinctive ideas for use in your own home.

New this year, the event runs December 1 to 17 on the grounds of the Summit County Historical Society, located at the corner of South Portage Path and Copley Road in Akron. Patrons can tour the mansion and its Wash House, and enjoy complimentary refreshments in the Carriage House. A gift boutique will be open for holiday shopping.

Each designer decorated his or her room on behalf of a charitable organization. Guests will be able to vote for their favorite and, at the end of the event, the room with the most votes will win 10 percent of the proceeds.

Participating designers and their designated charities are:

• Pamela Bayer, Pamela Bayer Interiors, on behalf of Children's Memorial Hospital (of Chicago) in honor of Matthew Zehner
• Robin Brechbuhler, Brechbuhler Interior Design Ltd., on behalf of Victory Gallop
• Katherine Harmon, Bella Abode, on behalf of the Humane Society of Greater Akron
• Brenda Keener, on behalf of Access, Inc., an emergency shelter for homeless women and children
• Jennifer McCool, Jennifer McCool Interior Design, on behalf of Ian Healy Kidney Fund
• Cindy Pastoria, Cindy Pastoria Designs, on behalf of St. Jude Children's Hospital
• Jim Pesce, James Pesce Designs, on behalf of Stephen A. Communale, Jr. Family Foundation (room 1) and the Mental Health Association of Summit County (room 2)
• Brian Reeder, Reeder Architects & Interior Design, on behalf of Kiwanis K-Kids
• The Museum Services Division of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, on behalf of itself
• Summit County Historical Society Service League, on behalf of itself
• Chris Stranahan, Wild Birds Unlimited, on behalf of Stan Hywet

The event runs Thursdays noon to 8 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. through December 17. Tickets are available at the door and cost $7 per adult, $1 for children 18 and under, and $5 per adult for groups of 10 or more. Parking is free. To learn more about the Summit County Historical Society, 550 Copley Road, call 330-535-1120 or visit www.summithistory.org

Kathryn DeLong is editorial director of Cleveland Clinic Press and co-host of "My Beautiful Home," which airs Saturdays at 10 a.m. on Akron station WAKR 1590 AM.