Ohio Open Doors with Worthington Historical Society

The Worthington Historical Society maintains properties such as the Orange Johnson House, the Old Rectory, the Jeffers Mound, and hosts events through the year to educate and remember the town’s history.

In addition to the preserving and maintaining the historical buildings, the society hosts events throughout the year to share history with the community 

Upcoming events with Worthington Historical Society

Ohio Open Doors in Worthington

Ohio History Connection is opening the doors and celebrating historical sites and buildings with Ohio Open Doors between September 9-18, 2022.

Seven historic Worthington sites will take part in the Ohio History Connection’s event, Ohio Open Doors, on the afternoon of Sunday, September 18th.  

The Old Rectory/Worthington Historical Society: 1 – 4 pm; Behind the Scenes open house with seldom seen items from the collection on exhibit; 50 West New England Avenue

The Orange Johnson House/Worthington Historical Society: 1 – 4 pm; Visit the museum at an open house; Suzanne Newcomb will play the Trondlin fortepiano; 956 High Street

St. John AME Church Open House: 2 – 4 pm; St John African Methodist Episcopal Church was Worthington’s first African American church.  This building was constructed in 1914, and the congregation was founded as Bethel AME Church in 1897; 682 Plymouth Street

Sharon Memorial Hall Open House; 1 – 3 pm; First built as the Wright residence in 1861, this property came under the care of the Trustees of the Sharon Township Memorial in 1945.  The building retains many early features including fireplaces and staircase;  137 E. Granville Rd.

St. John’s Episcopal Church Open House, 1 – 3 pm; Tour the church’s campus including the sanctuary, cemetery and Township Hall; enjoy performances by the St. John’s choir and two pipe organs; 700 High Street

McConnell Arts Center, 1 – 4 pm; Tour the on-site visual arts exhibition, “Drawing the Line: Comic Artists of Columbus” in the building that once housed Worthington High School, designed by architect Frank Packard; 777 Evening Street

Flint Cemetery; “A Time To Remember” event, 2 – 3:30 pm; cemetery open all day; The COVID years have been stressful. Visit the Flint Cemetery as it provides time and space for you to reflect, to remember, to rejoice, to mourn, to grieve, to find comfort, to find a measure of healing.  A public reading of names of those we’ve lost will take place at 3:20 pm; , 8187 Flint Road, Columbus

Antique Sale on the Village Green at Market Day

October 8, 2022 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Antique vendors will have a wide variety of antiques and collectibles available for purchase on the southeast Village Green on Saturday October 8th, 2022. The Society has been hosting sales on the Green since the 1950s! The Shop at the Old Rectory will set up a booth with antiques on the Green alongside returning and new vendors from around the state. 

Worthington Walking Tours

September tba from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
October tba from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Take a walking tour to learn about the history, architecture, and more on these tours in designated areas of town. Tours are just $5.

Historic Ghost Tour of Worthington

tba for 2022. The Ghost Tour will visit the Historic District to visit with the spirits of residents spanning the last two centuries on this guided tour. The tour is geared towards ages 13+. Purchase tickets online or in-person starting October 2. More details here. 

Featured properties of Worthington Historical Society

Orange Johnson House

Located at 956 High Street, Worthington, the Orange Johnson House is a living museum with tours and events throughout the year. Visitors can study our pioneer history from the house restoration and activities held throughout the house and garden. Open houses have featured pioneer craft demonstrations for kids and adults, and the popular Christmas Open House. 

Currently booking private tours with groups of 6 or less. 

Old Rectory

The Episcopal Rectory, now known as the Old Rectory, was saved by the Society from demolition and relocated at 50 West New England Avenue. The Rectory houses the Doll Museum, the Shop at the Old Rectory, the Society’s library, offices, collections and special exhibits. It also provides space for educational and community events.

The Doll Museum and Shop are open Wed, Thurs, Fri 1 -4 pm, & Sat 10 am – 2 pm.

Volunteer with the Worthington Historical Society 

Interested in volunteering to help preserve history? Check out volunteer opportunities on the website. 

Find out more about Worthington History…

Follow the Worthington History Society on Facebook or check out the website to find out more about the history of Worthington.

Things to do in Worthington, Ohio: Farmers Markets, festivals, and more…

Past events; tba

Worthington Tour of Homes & Gardens

TBA for 2022
The Tour of Homes & Gardens theme is “The 1920s in Worthington”
Check out architecture of the 1920s with homes, gardens and buildings throughout the Historic District in Worthington.

Tickets are $20-$25. Purchase online here, or in person at the Old Rectory Shop or Fritzy Jacobs.  $20 per person in person, presale.  All in person ticket sales are CASH or CHECK ONLY. On the DAY OF TOUR: the ticket price is $25 per person (at the Old Rectory ONLY, Cash or Check).

See additional details and tour stop information on the website.