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
Museum Lower Level's New Look
During the winter, volunteers created a new look in our Historical Museum's handicap-accessible Lower Level. Keith Ebright created an expanded Pickerington-Violet Township Schools' Exhibit with current photos, trophies, and artifacts.
In addition, the Lower Level will host this year's new April-thru-November "Second Saturdays" historical programs, with available seating for 40 guests. The programs begin at 1:00 PM. See list of program titles, details, and speakers in the "Events" section of this website.
New Historical Museum Electronic Door and Lift
Historical Society Board member, Barbara Freeman, checks out the new automatic, electronic door at the Museum's rear Lower Level entrance. Historical Society members and other benefactors enabled the recent purchase.
During 2018, grants and donations provided funds for the construction of an outdoor enclosed lift to enable handicapped persons to access the Museum's Main Level exhibits.
Both the electronic door and lift are available during Museum hours and are located at the rear of our building via a sidewalk/ramp off of Lockville Road.
Mabel Wagnalls Jones Entertained Museum Guests April 13
Wagnalls Memorial's Carol Gall became Mabel Wagnalls Jones (1869-1946) before the eyes of guests during the first meeting/historical program of the Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Saturday afternoon, April 13.
"Mabel" talked about her parents, Adam and Anna Wagnalls, who were born in Lithopolis, Ohio. Her father co-founded Funk & Wagnalls Publishing Company. To honor her parents, "Mabel" designed and built The Wagnalls Memorial in 1925.
If you missed seeing "Mabel" be sure to meet Elizabeth Greer Coit at our Museum on Second Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 PM.
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
