About Us
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 a Pickerington town pump, restored 1879 Taber pump organ, Native American artifacts collected around Pickerington, the cooking stove and photos from Moore's Pool Hall, photos of our high school graduating classes from 1909-1981, and much more.
A reference 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 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 Saturdays, for tours, or special events. 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.
News
New Historical Museum Lift
Pickerington Historian, Gary Taylor, tries out the lift recently installed at our Museum. 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.
"Pickering Family" Special Exhibit
A special exhibit about the "Pickering family during the 19th Century" is now showing at our Historical Society Museum located at 15 East Columbus Street in Downtown Pickerington. The building shown in the 1978 photo above once served as Pickerington's municipal offices. The small section at photo's left had been a log cabin believed to be the original homestead of Pickerington founder, Abraham Pickering and his family.
This exhibit can be seen Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM or during special Museum events through September 30.
Kevin Wetherell Named "Outstanding Volunteer"
The Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society Board of Directors honored the Society's first "Outstanding Volunteer" during the group's June 7 member meeting. Kevin Wetherell was presented a $25 gift card for the many hours he spent helping reorganize our Museum’s displays, closets, kitchen, and furnace room prior to our April opening. He also helped with our May "Treasure Sale" and works as a Saturday Museum host.
His current project is cleaning the Museum’s tile floors.
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
