The small, brick-fronted house tucked away on a quiet street in Akron, Ohio was to become the life-long home of Dr. Bob Smith and his wife, Anne Ripley Smith. Built in 1915, the house was where Dr. Smith brought his bride in 1916 and they were to live there for the next 34 years until their deaths; Anne in 1949 and Dr. Bob in 1950.

It was here in this humble home that Dr. Smith was to take his incredible journey through the twelve steps and into history as the Founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The symbolic twelve stone steps leading up to the front entrance are a living monument to the courage, vision, and resolve of this man who forged the path for so many countless others.

Twenty-five years after Dr. Bob's death, a small group of Akron AA members came together with the desire to memorialize the site where AA was born. The home at 855 Ardmore Avenue was owned at that time by a young man who was a student at the University of Akron. Since AA is prohibited by its traditions from purchasing property, it was decided that a non-profit foundation should be created to purchase and maintain Dr. Bob's home as a museum.

In October of 1984, a contract was negotiated and Dr. Bob's home was officially incorporated as a non-profit corporation while funding arrangements were made to complete the purchase of the home. With the assistance of Mayor Tom Sawyer, a zoning variance on the property was made by the City of Akron so that the property could be designated a "museum".

In October of 1985, Dr. Bob's home was named a State Historical Site by Governor Richard Celeste, and through the good offices of U.S. Congressman John Seiberling, Henrietta Seiberling's son, Dr. Bob's home was declared a National Historical Landmark.

Since that time, continuous efforts have been made to both preserve and restore the original character of the home as it was when Dr. Bob resided there. Several pieces of the original furniture have been purchased and are now on display in the home. Donations for the ongoing restoration and maintenance of Dr. Bob's home as a museum are greatly needed and always appreciated. In this small way, the legacy of Dr. Bob will be perpetuated for all who have the courage to surrender their will and follow him through the twelve steps".