Reception at the High Road Gallery “Art & Soul of Worthington: Walking Through Worthington”
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | High Road Gallery, 12 E Stafford Ave, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, April 27th, 2 – 4 pm
From April 18th to May 24th, the Worthington Historical Society’s art collection will be featured at High Road Gallery. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of declaring its independence in 2026, this is an appropriate time to reflect on the history of Worthington over more than a millennium. From the building of the earthworks by people of the Hopewell Culture to the establishment of Worthington in 1803, and all of the development that has followed, artwork depicting Worthington’s landmarks, Worthington’s people and created by Worthington artists will be featured throughout the gallery.
The exhibit will be on view each Friday and Saturday from 12 pm – 4 pm free of cost. Resident artists’ work will be on display throughout the building in the studio spaces, in addition to the Society’s exhibit.
There will be an opening reception on Sunday, April 27th from 2 – 4 pm. Guests will be able to tour the historic building, view the Society’s exhibit as well as the works of the resident artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Lawn Games at the Orange Johnson House
2025-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | 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!

Memorial Day Parade
2025-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Would you like to walk in the Memorial Day Parade with the Worthington Historical Society? Join us in costume from any historical time period, 1803 to present, and help us promote America 250 in Worthington, as we encourage our community to reflect on the history of the area over the course of the last 250 years.
Contact Kate, info@worthingtonhistory.org or call 614-885-1247, to sign up. (Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.)

Sunday Funday - Worthington Pride
2025-06-01 13:00 - 17:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, June 1st, 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 1st, August 10th, and September 28th.

Yard Sale at the Rectory
2025-06-14 09:00 - 15:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Saturday, June 14th, 9 am-3 pm
It’s the return of the best yard sale of the summer! Weather dependent, the Historical Society will have tables on the lawn selling unbelievable items donated by our members and the community. A variety of items including antiques and collectibles, glassware, jewelry, books, and household items will be available.
Have items you’d like to donate? We will be accepting donations from 7 to 8:30 am on Saturday the 14th. All items should be cleaned and priced for sale. To make donations at any other time please contact the shop to set up a drop-off time. (shop@worthingtonhistory.org or 614-885-1247) All proceeds will support the Society.

Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: Civil War times and the local Underground Railroad connections
2025-06-17 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Registration for this itinerary is open now through Worthington Parks & Rec.
Visit: Activity search | Worthington Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)
Tuesday, June 17th, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Join a Society Docent for the first of our Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tours. This tour will visit the area where the local Anti-Slavery Society first met, Sharon Memorial Hall, the Morris Addition, the St. John AME Church, an Underground Railroad stop, the area of Twin Oaks, Flint School, Flintridge Terrace, the Ozem Gardner Homestead, Flint Cemetery and the Village of Flint. Each tour takes place entirely on the bus.
Pictured here: Ozem Gardner House at 8221 Flint Road

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.

Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: Southern Gems
2025-07-17 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Bus Tour registration is open through Worthington Parks & Recreation.
Visit: Activity search | Worthington Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)
This bus tour will highlight and drive by the homes of two Worthington artists, a very old log cabin and a Lustron House while we visit southern neighborhoods outside the Worthington Historic quadrants. These neighborhoods include Riverlea, Davis Estates and Walnut Grove Cemetery, Kanawah, Chaseland, Colonial Hills and Kenyon Brook.
Additional itineraries are featured in the summer session with the Griswold Center.

Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: Over the River and Usonian Dreams
2025-08-14 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Bus Tour registration is open through Worthington Parks & Recreation.
Visit: Activity search | Worthington Parks and Recreation (activecommunities.com)
Thursday, Aug. 14th, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
This tour will encompass neighborhoods from different eras with unique histories and design: Plesenton, Linworth and the building that houses the Worthington Schools’ Linworth Experiential Program, the Beechviews and Rush Creek. Along the way we will drive by some historic places with interesting stories. Each tour takes place entirely on the bus.
Additional itineraries are featured in the summer session with the Griswold Center.
Pictured here: Rush Creek Village

Historic Neighborhoods Series Bus Tour: "North of 270"
2025-09-18 10:00 - 12:00 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Tours in partnership with Worthington Parks & Recreation. Registration opens August 18th (residents; August 20th, non-residents) for September & October Tours.

Thursday, Sept. 18th, 10 am-12 pm
This tour will stop at the Pontifical College Josephinum, The Woods at Josephinum, York Country Club, and will continue to Worthington Hills. We will view several Dispatch 1966 Parade of Homes. Participants will also learn about Ruth Potter and a neighborhood named after her– the Potters Creek neighborhood. This tour takes place entirely on the bus.

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:

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.

Children's Christmas at the Orange Johnson House
2025-12-06 - 2025-12-20 | Orange Johnson House, 956 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Children’s Christmas at the Orange Johnson House is a popular holiday tradition in Worthington! Children in grades 3-5 experience the Christmas holidays the old-fashioned way on Saturdays, December 6th, 13th or 20th from 4 pm – 8 pm.
Book online now!
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. Cost per child is $35.00.
If you have questions, please reach out to the Children’s Christmas Committee Chair, Dianne Hoover, at 614-888-2326. To volunteer to help with Children’s Christmas, please contact the Society at 614-885-1247.

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 - 2026-01-04 | 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 will reopen in spring 2026. Thank you for your support!
