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 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 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.
Historical Society 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.
The American Experience in WW1
In recognition of the centennial of the Nov. 11, 1918 Armistice that ended the "war to end all wars”, local author, Bruce Jarvis, will discuss the human side of the war within the context of his recently published book Over There with Private Graham – The Compelling World War 1 Journal of an AMERICAN DOUGHBOY. After the presentation, Jarvis will answer questions and conduct a book signing for anyone interested in purchasing his book. A limited number of hardcover editions will be available for a specially discounted price of $50. This free Historical Society adult program at the Pickerington Public Main Library on Nov. 1, 7:00 - 8:30pm is open to the public. Light refreshments available.
Local Military Heroes Honored at Museum
93-year young Historical Society member, Dorothy (“Pete”) Peterson, is seen here with her World War II Cadet Nurse Corps uniform that she wore from 1943-1946. Her uniform is part of our “Honoring our Community’s Military” exhibit on display at our Museum each Saturday, Oct. 6 thru Dec. 15, from
10am - 1pm. The exhibit also will feature Dale Stemen’s Purple Heart, Lloyd Stemen’s Korean War uniform, and some of the 250+ love letters Bill Hanna wrote to his wife, Betty,
from 1942-1946.
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
