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
Outstanding Volunteers
Rose Karoly (right in photo) accepts praise and a $25 gift card for her 2018 volunteer activities from Historical Society Membership/Volunteer Director, Stephanie Johnson.
The announcement was made during the Society's December Meeting & Christmas Potluck. Co-Outstanding Volunteer honoree, Ken Planisek, was unable the attend the event. Both honorees assisted with numerous Museum Open Houses, special events, and fundraisers.
The Society's first "Outstanding Volunteer" award was presented to member, Kevin Wetherell, during the group's 2018 annual summer picnic.
New Historical Museum Lift
Pickerington Historian, Gary Taylor, tries out the lift installed in our Museum during 2018.The lift enables visitors, who cannot negotiate steps at the front entrance of the former Carnegie Library, to see main level exhibits. The lift, available during official Museum hours, is located at the rear of the building via a sidewalk/ramp off of Lockville Road.
Our thanks to the City of Pickerington and Violet Township for coordinating this project. The lift was purchased through grants the Historical Society received from PNC Bank and Fairfield County foundations.
Self-Guided Walking Tour
Although our Historical Museum
is closed for the Winter, we recommend a walking tour of Olde Pickerington Village
when the weather permits.
In a brochure box -- located outside the Historical Museum's entrance -- find copies of "Old Pickerington Village Self-Guided Walking Tour". This suggested walking tour guide contains a map, photos and descriptions of historical buildings that still exist -- and some that once stood -- in downtown Pickerington. Included are the oldest house in Pickerington, the town's first firehouse and first church. Enjoy!
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
