Collections

The Society collections are held in accord with our mission, which is to identify and preserve materials and information about the history of Worthington and central Ohio which can inform and educate the public through exhibitions, programs and study. Since our founding in 1955, the Worthington Historical Society has been fortunate to receive most of its objects, archives and library materials through the generosity of individual donors.

Our collections include:

  • Worthington objects

  • Native American lithic objects, associated with local sites

  • Clothing, furniture and personal items from Worthington and central Ohio residents

  • Photographs of Worthington people, events and places

  • Books and periodicals, including local authors, scrapbooks, yearbooks, and directories

  • Personal papers of Worthington residents—unpublished diaries, letters, etc.

  • Ephemera (greeting cards, Valentine cards, tickets, programs)

  • Artwork by Worthington residents or about Worthington

  • Media records of Worthington performances

  • Maps of Worthington and Sharon Township

In addition, the Society has accepted important collections from Worthington or area residents including:

  • Dolls

  • Lace and lace making tools

  • Handmade iron latches

  • Woodworking tools

  • Handmade combs

  • These special collections add resonance to interpretation at our two museum buildings, the Orange Johnson House (1811, 1819) and The Old Rectory (1845).

——————————————————————————–

DONATIONS
All donations are considered by the Accessions Committee before they can be added to the Society collections. Please email info@worthingtonhistory.org (and include a picture of item for donation, if possible) so that we can begin a conversation.  You can also call the office at 614-885-1247.

SCANNING
We will also gladly scan photographs, maps, manuscripts and documents about Worthington. The owner of the items will then be able to keep the original but share the information with interested researchers.

APPRAISALS
We are prohibited from appraising for any reason…we can assist on identification of objects being considered for the collections, but must refer questions of value to an objective outside source.