Worthington Historical Society

Lawn Games at the Orange Johnson House
2025-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
In partnership with Old Worthington North, the Orange Johnson House will have some lawn games at Drive In With Driven. The parking lot adjacent to the Orange Johnson house will be utilized for the activities so parking will be limited immediately adjacent to the museum. Come join the businesses of Old Worthington North for a day of family fun, food, and activities!

Annual Meeting & Program: 2025 Worthington Tour of Homes & Gardens Preview
2025-06-25 19:00 - 20:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
JUNE ANNUAL MEETING & PROGRAM
2025 Worthington Tour of Homes & Gardens Preview
CHANGE OF DATE!
Wednesday, June 25th, 7 – 8:30 pm
The Griswold Center, 777 High Street
Free & Open to the Public

Join the Society for an exclusive preview of the featured sites on this year’s Worthington Tour of Homes & Gardens. Spanning construction dates from 1811 to 1927, these remarkable homes showcase a rich variety of architectural styles and offer a window into the lives of Worthington’s past residents—telling the story of our community across more than two centuries.

Historians Steffanie Haueisen and Kate LaLonde will guide you through the fascinating histories of each site, offering insights and anecdotes that bring Worthington’s heritage to life.

A brief business meeting will be held before the program.

2025 Tour of Homes & Gardens
2025-07-13 12:30 - 17:30 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Tour of Homes & Gardens
Sunday, July 13th, 12:30-5:30 pm
This year’s home tour celebrates America 250, spanning construction dates from 1811 to 1927, these remarkable homes showcase a rich variety of architectural styles and offer a window into the lives of Worthington’s past residents—telling the story of our community across more than two centuries. Enjoy interesting designs and unique histories associated with notable figures from Worthington’s past. This year’s tour promises to be outstanding. Thank you to the owners for opening their spaces for this tour!
Included are:

The Griswold “Long Lot” House, c. 1827, moved to present location in 2003
The Vest House, c. 1860
The Lewis House, c. 1834 & 1857
Colonial Revival Three Story Home, 1927
The Orange Johnson House: Historic Gardens, hosted by the Garden Club, and music will be performed on the Tröndlin Fortepiano with guests from the Ohio State University
School of Music to celebrate its 200th birthday!
Masonic Lodge, 1820: Historic Building, hosted by New England Lodge No. 4

Tickets: $25 per person, advance purchase; $30 day-of purchase.
Tickets can be purchased:

IN PERSON at the Shop at the Old Rectory, 50 W New England, during regular hours Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 pm or Saturday, 10 am-2 pm.
ONLINE — Book Now! Tour ticket(s) purchased ONLINE, including the booklet with home descriptions, can be picked up the DAY OF THE TOUR, July 13th from 12:15-5:15 pm at the Orange Johnson House Museum ONLY, 956 High St.
THE DAY OF THE TOUR Sunday, July 13th at the Orange Johnson House Museum ONLY, 956 High St, from 12:15-5:15 pm.

Behind every successful Worthington Tour of Homes and Gardens there are many passionate volunteers who make it all happen. On the day of the event more than 60 volunteers host at the sites to welcome guests. Interested in volunteering? Contact us at info@worthingtonhistory.org or 614-885-1247.

Antique Sale on the Village Green at Market Day
2025-09-20 09:00 - 16:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Antique Sale on the southeast Village Green concurrent with the Chamber of Commerce’s Market Day event
Saturday, September 20th, 9 am-4 pm
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. The Worthington Chamber of Commerce’s Market Day event on High Street will also return with craft vendors along High Street. Come out and shop more than 130 exhibitors with handmade arts and crafts, antiques and family fun. Make it a day and visit your favorite downtown restaurant or check out one of the food vendors. Shuttle locations will be located near The Worthington Inn and Griswold Center from 9 am to 4 pm for attendees.
More information about Market Day can be found on the Chamber website at Old Worthington Market Day – Worthington Chamber of Commerce.
Donations Accepted!
In preparation, the Shop will gratefully accept donations of antique and vintage items. (No Books or Magazines, please.) Donations should be clean, priced and boxed at time of drop off. All items for this sale should be priced at $10 or higher.
Items may be dropped off during Shop hours (Wed – Fri, 1 – 4 pm, Sat 10 – 2) or contact the office to arrange a time outside of Shop hours.

World War II: Through the Eyes of Veterans
2025-09-25 19:00 - 20:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, Sept. 25th, 7-8:30 pm
World War II: Through the Eyes of Veterans
The Griswold Center, 777 High Street
Free, Registration required through Parks & Recreation
Registration for this itinerary will open through Worthington Parks & Rec for Griswold members and residents on Aug. 18th.
Visit: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/worthington

Tröndlin Fortepiano Turns Two Hundred! A Birthday Celebration
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, September 28th, 2 – 4 pm
The Orange Johnson House
956 High Street
Free, Open to the Public
Join the Society for music, cake and good company as we host an open house to celebrate the Tröndlin fortepiano’s 200th birthday. Emily Foster, from the Ohio State School of Music, will present music in the sitting room in a performance throughout the afternoon made possible by support of the Worthington Women’s Club.
The sitting room will be open for the afternoon. Cake & lemonade will be served in the garden and visitors will be invited to relax and socialize on the property during the afternoon.

Morrow Mule at Worthington Tavern
2025-10-01 - 2025-10-31 | Worthington Tavern, 671 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Morrow Mule at the Worthington Tavern
Specialty Drink Featured During October
Anytime during the month of October, stop in to the Worthington Tavern for a “Morrow Mule” specialty drink. The cocktail pays homage to Dr. Thomas Morrow, president of the Worthington Medical College in the 1830s, and patrons will receive a souvenir card telling his story when they order the drink. The Society will receive a portion of the proceeds!

Ghost Tours
2025-10-22 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-23 18:30 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Wednesday & Thursday, October 22nd & 23rd
On this guided tour through the Historic District, guests will encounter ghosts of past Worthington residents spanning the last two centuries, each ready to tell their stories.
Tours begin every 15 minutes, beginning at 6:30 pm through 7:30 pm each night.
The tour will require ~0.5 miles of walking, and guests will be on their feet for 60 – 90 minutes. Walking shoes and flashlights are recommended. The tour will take place rain or shine, so bring an umbrella if rain is in the forecast! The tour is designed for guests 13 and older. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets may be purchased for $20.00 online starting October 1st.

Book A Tour

Thank you to our Corporate Sponsor:

Additional Ghost Tour sponsors:

“A Merry Beary Christmas” Doll Museum Special Exhibit
2025-11-06 - 2025-12-20 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Visitors of all ages are invited to “A Merry Beary Christmas”, a heartwarming holiday exhibit on display in the Old Rectory Parlor. Featuring a delightful collection of teddy bears, these cherished bears—each with its own story and personality—have been lovingly arranged in festive vignettes. Bears bundled in knit sweaters, seated in antique sleighs. A charming tea party scene with bears dressed in vintage attire, sipping from dainty porcelain cups and nibbling on tiny pastries. Groups of bears nestled on the settee enjoying time together at the holiday. This festive exhibit runs through our seasonal closing in December. Free, Open to the Public.
Gift Shop & Doll Museum Hours:
Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 pm
Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
Closed Wednesday, Nov. 26th and Thursday, Nov. 27th for the holiday.
Saturday, Dec. 20th is the last day to visit the Shop and the Doll Museum in 2025. Closed in January. The Rectory will reopen in February 2026.

Holidays on High - Shop Open
2025-11-06 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Come visit us at the Shop at the Old Rectory and spend some time enjoying all of the merchants and activities in the area!

Registration for Children's Christmas at the Orange Johnson House
2025-11-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-11-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Children’s Christmas Registration
Monday, November 10th, 7 – 8 pm
Tuesday, November 11th, 7 – 8 pm
The Orange Johnson House, 956 High St.
Registration is coming up for a popular holiday tradition in Worthington! Children’s Christmas allows your children in grades 3-5 experience the Christmas holidays the old-fashioned way at the Worthington Historical Society’s Christmas program on Saturday December 6th, 13th or 20th from 4 pm – 8 pm.
Activities will include learning about school traditions, hearing Christmas stories, touring the Orange Johnson House, playing period games, making a craft, singing traditional songs, preparing and eating a typical early 1800s meal and receiving a gift from a very famous visitor.
Prior registration is required, and must be done in person only, and you may only register a child in your family. Cost per child is $35.00. Payment must accompany registration.
To volunteer to help with Children’s Christmas, please contact the Society.

Thanksgiving Closure
2025-11-26 - 2025-11-27 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
The Shop and Doll Museum at the Old Rectory will be closed Wednesday & Thursday, November 26th and 27th.
Normal hours will resume on Friday and Saturday, November 28th & 29th. Happy Thanksgiving!

POSTPONED! Celebrating Margaret Lawrence, A Holiday Open House
2025-12-02 19:00 - 20:30 | The Hartford at Stafford Village, 120 E Stafford Ave, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED. DETAILS ON RESCHEDULING TBA.
Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, 7 – 8:30
Celebrating Margaret Lawrence, A Holiday Open House
Join us in honoring Margaret Lawrence’s remarkable 20+ years of service to the Worthington Historical Society before her retirement at the conclusion of 2025! On Monday, December 2nd from 7:00–8:30 PM, we’ll gather at the Hartford for a cheerful open house filled with tasty treats, heartfelt memories, and holiday spirit. This special evening is a chance for members and friends to celebrate Margaret’s dedication and connect in a relaxed, festive setting. Don’t worry, Margaret still plans on volunteering for many of the Society’s events throughout the year!
RSVP Google Form Here
We look forward to seeing you there—and to celebrating Margaret!

Illuminated Shopping - Shop Open
2025-12-03 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
The Shop at the Old Rectory will be open extra hours on Wednesday, Dec. 3rd from 6-9 pm for Illuminated Shopping. This longstanding tradition in historic Old Worthington includes live holiday music, festive luminaries lining High Street, and local retailers open late. There will be a horse drawn carriage and a DJ spinning holiday tunes.
Take the short stroll down New England Avenue to shop our antiques and consignment items! Lots of unique Worthington gifts and holiday decor, too.

Christmas Traditions: An Historic Holiday Tour
2025-12-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, December 11th, tours starting at 6:30 pm; reservations required
Join us for this special evening tour of the Orange Johnson House, beautifully decorated and aglow for Christmas. Delight in the stories shared by history interpreters about Christmas celebrations by Worthington’s founders in 1803, continuing through the 1800s and early 1900s. From Christmas stockings and trees to ghost stories and gift-giving, this tour will explore the traditions of the season!
Tickets may be purchased for $15.00 online using the link below. Tickets are non-refundable. Please note that the Orange Johnson House has several flights of stairs. Guests should be able to navigate steps and stand during portions of the tour.
Book online now!

Orange Johnson Christmas Open House
2025-12-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Enjoy “An Old Time Christmas” at the Orange Johnson House!
Sunday, December 14th, 1 pm – 4 pm
The Worthington Historical Society invites you to enjoy the spirit of the holidays at the Orange Johnson House on Sunday Dec. 14th! We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to stroll through the house on a self-guided tour and enjoy festive holiday decorations.
The Society will collect non-perishable goods for the Worthington Resource Pantry. In lieu of an admission cost, guests are asked to donate one or more items to this valuable community program. While members receive complimentary visits all year long, we extend this invitation to donate items to our Society community as well.
PLEASE NOTE: The Orange Johnson House will close for tours after the Christmas Open House until Spring 2026.

Winter Closure 2025-26
2025-12-21 - 2026-02-10 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
The Shop and Doll Museum at the Old Rectory will be closed beginning December 21st, 2025, and will reopen in February 2026. The Orange Johnson House can be booked by request will resume normal reservations in spring 2026. Thank you for your support!

Reopening Feb. 11th
2026-01-20 08:00 - 2026-02-11 17:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
On Wednesday, February 11th the Doll Museum and Shop at the Old Rectory will reopen for 2026 with special exhibit, “American Icons”. Make plans to visit this spring!
Shop & Doll Museum Hours:
Wednesday – Friday, 1-4 pm
Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
General admission fee applies; members are free. We look forward to seeing you at the museum or to shop for unique items at the antique and consignment shop.
The Orange Johnson House Museum can be booked by request now and will resume regular tours in Spring 2026. General admission fee applies; members are free.

New Docent Class
2026-03-01 - 2026-03-31 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
The Worthington Historical Society is looking for interested candidates to join our 2026 Docent class. Volunteers lead scheduled guided tours of the Orange Johnson House throughout the year. Additionally, docents are able to participate in education events such as Worthington History Days for our district’s third graders, and other special events throughout the year. Training consists of several half day workshops in early spring. If interested, please contact the Society at info@worthingtonhistory.org or by phone, 614-885-1247.
New & Returning Docents! The Society is looking for volunteers specifically to help with the walking tours during Worthington History Days for third graders in May. Volunteers lead four 30-minute walking tours from the Green to New England Avenue and back over the course of each morning, discussing how Worthington has changed and what has stayed the same over the past two centuries. Contact Kate at the office if interested in being part of the team that fills this role in 2026.
The Shop is seeking a few more wonderful NEW volunteers to join our team, especially on Saturdays. You’ll have the opportunity to assist customers alongside a current Shop volunteer, making a real difference in our community. Our Shop volunteers are truly invaluable, helping us open the doors to our museum and antique shop to our visitors. Your time and dedication can make a world of difference!

Orange Johnson House Tours, Wednesdays in March & April
2026-03-04 - 2026-04-29 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Each Wednesday in March and April, the Orange Johnson House will welcome guests for tours at 1 pm on a drop-in basis. Reservations will not be required! Admission will be $8 per adult, $5 per child 6 – 16 and is free for children five and under. Members are free.
Sunday tours can still be booked online, 24-hr advance reservation, using the “Book A Tour” button on our homepage.

Lunch & Learn: Honoring Worthington’s Women of Influence
2026-03-13 12:00 - 13:30 | McConnell Arts Center, 777 Evening Street, Worthington, 43085, United States
Friday, March 13th, 12:00-1:30 pm
McConnell Arts Center, Master Classroom
777 Evening Street
$25 per person, register at worthingtonhistory.org
Join the Society for a program to celebrate Women’s History Month in March. Enjoy a box lunch and hear from Historical Society speakers who will share the stories of women who’ve made significant contributions to Worthington, Ohio and the country through their works across the last two centuries.
A selection of boxed lunches will be offered (select from choices when registering). Space is limited – register through our website, using the “Book online now!” link below.
Pictured above: Ruth Potter, March 31st, 1955, Worthington News. Potter was a 1929 Worthington High School graduate who went on to take over the family business, serving as President of the Potter Lumber and Supply Co.
Book online now!

Sheep Pastures to Progress: A Worthington Art & History Installation
2026-04-23 - 2026-10-31 | East Granville Road Park, 245 E. Granville Rd., Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sheep Pastures to Progress is Worthington’s community-wide outdoor art and history installation celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. From April–October 2026, painted sheep silhouettes—created by local artists, schools, and organizations—will appear throughout the city, turning Worthington into a walkable gallery that highlights our past and imagines our future. The Society’s sheep, designed by artist Niki Gnezda, reflects generations of local history and iconic architecture.
This project is led by the America 250 – Worthington committee in partnership with the Worthington Historical Society and local community organizations. Together, we invite you to celebrate our shared past, honor our present, and imagine Worthington’s future—one sheep at a time.
The sheep will be displayed in various locations.
Thursday, April 23 – May 7th – Northeast Village Green
Thursday, May 7th – May 21st – East Granville Road Park
Thursday, May 21-June 4 – Worthington Fire Station
Thursday, June 4-June 18 – McCord Park
Thursday, June 18-July 2 – Griswold Center
Tuesday, July 7-July 23 – Selby Park
Thursday, July 23-Aug. 6th – Linworth Park (South Entrance), 5971 Linworth Rd.
Wednesday, Aug. 11-Aug. 27 – Perry Park, 2300 Collins Drive
Link to the full tour guide: Sheep Pastures to Progress | Experience Worthington

Bus Tour: "Historic District"
2026-04-28 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: “Historic District”
Join a Society Docent for this bus tour highlighting historic homes, school sites, churches and commercial buildings found throughout the Historic District. You’ll learn how and where the earliest schools operated, as well as the remarkable contributions of the earliest pioneer men and women. Bring your imagination–some of these sites are no longer here, but their stories remain an important part of Worthington history! Bus tours depart from and return to the Griswold Center.

All bus tours can be reserved through Worthington Parks & Recreation registration.
Spring registration for Residents and Passholders begins at Midnight on March 16th.
Open registration begins at Midnight on March 18th.

Activity search | Worthington Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)

Bus tours this year are presented as part of our yearlong America 250 programming. Additional itineraries will be featured in the summer session with the Griswold Center. Stay tuned for details!

Worthington History Walk
2026-05-01 - 2026-10-31 | OH
Worthington History Walk is an outdoor gallery in the historic district featuring 22 historical photographs from the Worthington Historical Society archive that picture Worthington throughout its almost 250-year existence. The History Walk will be on view May through October and is brought to you as part of Ohio’s America 250 celebrations and is a partnership between the Worthington Historical Society and Experience Worthington.
Link to the full walking tour: History Walk | Experience Worthington

Memorial Day Parade
2026-05-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Walk in the Memorial Day Parade with the Worthington Historical Society! Join us in costume from any historical time period, 1803 to present, as we promote America 250 in Worthington.
Contact Kate, info@worthingtonhistory.org or call 614-885-1247, to sign up. (Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

Bus Tour: "The Civil War Era and Worthington’s connection to the Underground Railroad"
2026-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: “The Civil War Era and Worthington’s connection to the Underground Railroad”
This tour explores Worthington’s rich Civil-war era history and its significant role in the Underground Railroad. Stops include the site of the first meeting of the local Anti-Slavery Society took place, Sharon Memorial Hall, the Morris Addition, St. John AME church, a documented Worthington stop on the Underground Railroad, the former Twin Oaks site, Flint School, Flintridge Terrace, the newly restored Ozem Gardner homestead, Flint Cemetery and the historic Village of Flint. Bus tours depart from and return to the Griswold Center.

All bus tours can be reserved through Worthington Parks & Recreation registration.
Spring registration for Residents and Passholders begins at Midnight on March 16th.
Open registration begins at Midnight on March 18th.

Activity search | Worthington Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)

Bus tours this year are presented as part of our yearlong America 250 programming. Additional itineraries will be featured in the summer session with the Griswold Center. Stay tuned for details!

Sunday Funday - Worthington Pride
2026-06-07 13:00 - 17:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, June 7th, 1-5 pm
The Worthington Partnership, along with the merchants of Old Worthington, present “Sunday Fundays”, afternoons of themed food, entertainment, and specials in our historic district.
Each merchant will adapt the theme to their own business. This summer, find the Worthington Historical Society on the Village Green, where volunteers will have Pioneer Games on hand on June 7th, August 9th, and September 27th.

Annual Meeting & Program: Minute Men, Green Mountain Boys & More: Worthington’s Revolutionary Legacy
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Annual Meeting & Program
Minute Men, Green Mountain Boys & More: Worthington’s Revolutionary Legacy with Ted Dziemianowicz
Wednesday, June 10th, 7 – 8:30 pm
The Griswold Center, 777 High Street
Free & Open to the Public
Many Worthingtonians know that Scioto company members and town founders Abner Pinney, Israel Case, and William Thompson served in America’s struggle for independence, but did you know that two Minute Men, a member of the Green Mountain Boys, and a New Hampshire soldier who fought at Bunker Hill are also here?
Ted Dziemianowicz has followed the breadcrumbs left by Virginia McCormick and others to learn some of their stories.
A brief business meeting will be held before the program.
