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
On October 12, Living History Performer Darlene Gage appeared at our Historical Museum as 1861 widow Amanda Baugh. As a "Conductor" for the Underground Railroad, she described how she helped hide slaves seeking freedom 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 at 1:00pm: Explore Zane's Trace in Fairfield County.
Volunteers Needed for Historical Society Fundraiser
Do you like to wrap gifts? Join Peggy and Ralph Portier, Mary Herron and other Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society volunteers at a Gift Wrapping Fundraiser to take place at Pickerington's Barnes & Noble on Route 256
Nov. 29 (Black Friday).
2-hour shifts are available from 10 AM-9 PM. Email us to volunteer your help at pickhistsociety@hotmail.com
or leave a phone message for us at
614-382-5989
Through the Years: November Happenings in our Community
Nov 3, 1828: Ricketts School, one of the few Violet Twp one-room schools still standing, was built at Busey and Pickerington Roads.
Nov 4, 1987: Lee Gray (now Mayor) was first elected to the Pickerington Village Council.
Nov 8, 1902: Dr. Georgia Finley began practicing medicine in Pickerington and soon became Violet Township Library's first board of trustees president.
Nov 10, 1985: The Pickerington Senior Center was dedicated with an open house.
Nov 26,1927: 31 inches of snow fell on Fairfield County in 4 days.
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
