About Us
Historical Society Mission and History:
The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society has been an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization since 1987. Its mission is to preserve our community's past for future generations to see and use.
Our Historical Society has maintained a museum in the community's Carnegie Library since 1993 -- the year the library moved into its new facility. The Carnegie Library originally opened in 1916 with the aid of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The building remains one of the few Carnegie-financed buildings that exist in Central Ohio.
Our Museum:
Our Museum, located in the center of historic downtown Pickerington, tells the story of Pickerington-Violet Township. Admission is free.
Artifacts include prehistoric Native American tools and weapons collected around Pickerington, an original town pump, restored 1879 Taber pump organ, the cooking stove and photos once residing inside Moore's Pool Hall, photos of our high school graduating classes from 1909-1981, and much more.
A reference and reading area is available for public research of historic documents, directories, and photos, along with a searchable database of all graves in Violet Cemetery.
Getting Involved:
Inasmuch as we are an all-volunteer organization, we depend upon the generosity of our Historical Society members, Museum visitors, and the community for support and funding of projects and programs.
You can help by:
- Becoming a member. Click for Membership Application and more information.
- Volunteering to help at our Museum on Second Saturdays, for tours, special events, and Museum maintenance. For more information or to sign up, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Stephanie Johnson (right in photo) at "Contact Us" below or visit Volunteer Sign Up to choose a date/event.
- Donating an object/document of local historical interest, or making a monetary contribution at the "Donate Now" box.
Historical Society News
Passage on the Underground Railroad
During the afternoon of October 12, living history performer Darlene Gage appeared at our Historical Museum as 1861 widow Amanda Baugh. In her southern accent, "Amanda" told about her work helping runaway slaves make their way to freedom. As a "Conductor" for the Underground Railroad, she described how she helped hide slaves and move them to the next "station" on their journey to Canada or other safe places. Be sure to make plans to attend our last program of the season on November 9: Explore Zane's Trace in Fairfield County.
Volunteer and Baker: Barbara Freeman
Barbara Freeman, a member of the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Board of Directors and Museum Volunteer, surprised guests with a platter of her home made cream puffs at our Historical Society's October meeting and program. Needless to say, the platter quickly emptied!
Do you like to wrap gifts? Join Barbara and other volunteers for a Gift Wrap Fundraiser at Barnes & Noble on Nov. 29 (Black Friday).
2-hour shifts are from 10 AM-9 PM. Email us to help at pickhistsociety@hotmail.com
Through the Years: October Happenings in our Community
Oct 2, 1987: Gary Weaver was elected first president of the newly-formed Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society.
Oct 4, 1954: The Pickerington Bank was robbed by three men who eventually were caught.
Oct 13, 1810: Land in northern Fairfield County was sold to Abraham Pickering who later founded Jacksonville (now Pickerington).
Oct 20, 1967: Cleo Richter retired as postmistress after 27 years of service.
Oct 21, 1974: Arsonists set fire to the Pickerington H.S. library.
Oct 24, 1946: The Pickerington Lions Club was chartered on this date.
Oct 27, 1907: A 6-room brick schoolhouse was built on East Street -- now a part of Heritage Elementary School.
Oct 28, 1927: A great fire in Pickerington destroyed the hotel on the NW corner of Columbus & Center streets -- now a park.
Donate
The generous support and contributions from people like you enable us to collect and preserve local history for future generations. The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Your donation may be tax deductible. Please contact your tax advisor for information.
Thank you!
Business Members and Sponsors
