Old Rectory

 The original building was completed in 1845 as a rectory for St. John’s Episcopal Church. The Reverend R.S. Eliot and his family were the first of 15 rectors who lived in this residence for the next 80 years.

Originally located beside the church on the southeast corner of the Village Green, the house was moved to 799 Hartford St. in 1924 where it served as a rental property and later as administrative offices for Worthington Schools. In 1978, the Worthington Historical Society acquired this property, moved it to its present location, and renovated it for use as their headquarters, Doll Museum and Gift Shop.

The Old Rectory is in the classic Greek revival style; it has a separate ‘modern’ addition to the north side. The interior woodwork and the cherry siding show the quality of the native lumber and the desire of the local 19th century native carpenters to make a beautiful home for their rector. Features include a cherry stairway and black walnut woodwork with crossettes and splayed bases suggesting Egyptian columns.

Book Doll Museum

Library: Open by appointment; for research requests please e-mail info@worthingtonhistory.org or call 614-885-1247.

The Shop and Doll Museum hours Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 – 4 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm.  At this time, only self-guided tours of the Doll Museum are being offered during open hours.  Please contact the office to book a guided tour.  

The Orange Johnson House is available for tours with 24 hr advanced registration on Wednesdays and Sundays; use the BOOK NOW button on the homepage to reserve a time.  (updated 2/8/2021)

The Shop and Doll Museum will be open through December 16th, 2023.

The Old Rectory c. 1888 on the Village Green just south of St. John’s Episcopal Church

The Old Rectory at the corner of Stafford and High Street on the truck ready to move to 50 West New England Avenue, 1978.

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