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 spearheaded creation of the 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 40-50 guests. The programs begin at 1:00 PM. See list of program titles, details, and speakers in the "Events" section of this website.
Joel Embrey shares Native American history
Joel Embrey took Museum guests back in time a few thousand years on July 13 with a show-and-tell presentation at our Historical Museum.
He shared items from his collection of Native American artifacts including a horseshoe from the 1700's, 1798 silver dollars, a shell necklace, plus many tools and weapons used by Native Americans thousands of years ago in Violet Township and other sites.
Be sure to attend our next Historical Society meeting/program on August 10, 1:00 PM.
Through the Years: July Happenings in our Community
July 1, 1985: The Pickerington Senior Center on Hereford Drive opened its doors for activities.
July 6, 1909: The Pickerington Bank on W. Columbus Street was incorporated. This site now is occupied by Lan-Fair Federal Credit Union.
July 8, 1776: Abraham Pickering, founder of Pickerington, was born in Rockingham County, VA.
July 12, 1988: The Village of Pickerington issued a water ban until September because of the very dry summer of 1988.
July 14, 1959: Anna Milnor Young retired after teaching Pickerington first graders since 1918.
July 15, 1942: C.P. Leach retired after working as Station Agent at the Pickerington Depot since 1910.
July 25, 1989: Local artist, Nancy Brackbill, created Pickerington's official seal which features a sycamore tree, the Zeller-Smith covered bridge, and violets.
July 26, 1989: Central House, a bed and breakfast inn at 27 W. Columbus Street opened this date by owners, Jim and Sue Maxwell. The building formerly was the Central Hotel from 1860 to 1938.
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
