Covid-19 has closed our Historical Museum until it is safe to reopen.
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 on Second Saturdays, 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
New Donation to our Historical Society Museum
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
This circa 1950 Coca Cola Swimsuit Girl Pinup cardboard advertising sign was one of recent donations to our Historical Society Museum by Pickerington resident, Clyde Muse. He had acquired this and other treasures from the former Kraner General Store when he purchased the Lockville Road building in 1994.
The Kraner General Store, operated by E.D. Kraner, opened in the late 1800s in a building that is still standing at 6 Lockville Road in Olde Pickerington Village -- across the street from our Historical Museum.
After E.D. Kraner's death in 1914, the business was continued by the Kraner family until 1947.
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
Alpheus Schultz operated his watch and jewelry repair business on North Center street (just north of the railroad tracks) in the building seen in this circa 1900 photo. When Schultz died in 1912, his employee, John Robinson, took over the business.
Two years later, Robinson was appointed Pickerington Postmaster. Because the Pickerington Village fathers wanted the post office located on the "right" side of the tracks, Robinson moved the combination jewelry store/post office building to its present location at 48 W. Columbus Street. This remodeled historic building currently is for sale.
Through the Years: January Community Happenings
Alpheus Schultz's Early 1900's Jewelry Store
Through the Years: January Community Happenings
Jan 2, 1988: Rita Ricketts was sworn in as Pickerington's first (and currently only) woman mayor. Mayor Ricketts is seen here in 1990 during Pickerington's 175th Anniversary Celebration.
Jan 23, 1942: The land for Pickerington Park (now called Victory Park) was donated to the Village by W.B. Taylor and A.J. Good.
Jan 24, 1828: By a special act of the state legislature, the town's original name of "Jacksonville" was changed to "Pickerington" in honor of town founder Abraham Pickering.
Jan 26, 1978: A raging blizzard closed schools and businesses in central Ohio for three days. Pickerington was cut off from the rest of the world by seven-foot snow drifts!
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
