Museum's October 10th Open House canceled due to continued COVID surge
15 E Columbus Street - (614)382-5989
15 E Columbus Street - (614)382-5989
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:
We are an all-volunteer organization and 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 during Open Houses, for tours, special events, and Museum maintenance. For more information or to sign up, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Stephanie Johnson 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
Pickerington's First High School
Through the Years: October Happenings
Early School Transportation
This six-room building with basement opened on October 27, 1907 as the Violet Township High and Grade School on East Street. Built at a cost of only $15,000, a wet summer had slowed construction and delayed opening. Anticipated enrollment was 80 students, but 137 students arrived that first day. This expanded building currently houses Heritage Elementary students and the Pickerington Local School District offices.
Early School Transportation
Through the Years: October Happenings
Early School Transportation
When Violet Township's new high and grade school opened in 1907, students were transported to school in horse-and-mule-drawn wagons such as the one pictured above which carried 12-20 children. The wagons had long benches on each side and were heated either with carbon sticks, brick foot warmers, or coal oil stoves. The wagons were replaced by motorized vehicles in the early 1920s.
Through the Years: October Happenings
Through the Years: October Happenings
Through the Years: October Happenings
Oct 2, 1987: Gary Weaver was elected as the first president of the newly-formed Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society.
Oct 20, 1967: Cleo Richter (see photo above) retired as Pickerington's Postmistress, a post she held since 1940.
Oct 21, 1974: Arsonists set fire to the Pickerington High School library. Seven fire departments worked for two hours to extinguish the blaze.
Oct 27, 1907: Violet Township's first high and grade school opened on East Street. 137 students showed up!
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!
