Worthington Historical Society

“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.

Ghost Tours
2025-10-23 18:30 - 21:00, 2025-10-22 18:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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:

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

Reception at the High Road Gallery “Art & Soul of Worthington: Walking Through Worthington”
2025-04-27 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.

“Art & Soul of Worthington: Walking Through Worthington” exhibit at High Road Gallery
2025-04-18 - 2025-05-24 | High Road Gallery, 12 E Stafford Ave, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Fridays and Saturdays, April 18th-May 24th, 12 – 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.
Sunday, April 27th, 2 – 4 pm
Reception at the High Road Gallery
“Art & Soul of Worthington: Walking Through Worthington”
12 East Stafford Avenue, Worthington

Members-Only Doll Museum Tour & Night Market
2025-04-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, April 17th, 5-8 pm
Society Members, please join curator Sue Whitaker on Thursday, April 17th for a guided tour of the Doll Museum, highlighting the 2025 exhibit “Around the World in 80 Dolls”. Featuring travel dolls from the early 1900s collected by Helen Schoedinger, the display reflects the values and pride of people and their unique fashions from regions around the globe.
Tours will take place at 6 pm and 7 pm, and are free to members. Drop-in guests may also visit the exhibit on their own over the course of the evening and visit the Shop at the Old Rectory, which will be open from 5 – 8 pm.
Not a member? Guided tours are available for $4 per person or you can help support our preservation and education members by joining today!

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2025-04-17 17:00 - 20:00 | 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!
Guests may also visit the Doll Museum and special exhibit “Around the World in 80 Dolls” on a self-guided tour for $3 per person, Society members are free. Not a member? Guided tours are available for $4 per person or you can help support our preservation and education members by joining today!

Reopening Feb. 14th
2025-01-23 - 2025-02-13 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
On Friday, February 14th the Doll Museum and Shop at the Old Rectory will reopen for 2025 with special exhibit, “Around the World in 80 Dolls.” Make plans to visit this spring!
Shop & Doll Museum Hours:
Wednesday – Friday, 1-4 pm
Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
Doll Museum is $3 per person, 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 will resume regular tours in March 2025, every week on Wednesdays and Sundays. 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! General admission fee applies; members are free. Sunday tours can be booked online with 24-hour minimum advanced reservation. Use the BOOK A TOUR button on the homepage to reserve a time. For groups larger than 8 people, or to book a tour for Society members, please call or email the Society.

General Meeting & Program
2024-11-13 19:00 - 20:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Wednesday, Nov. 13th, 7-8:30 pm
Free, Open to the Public
From glass-curtain wall skyscrapers to suburban ranch houses, mid-century properties reflect important architectural design and historic themes illustrating Ohio’s recent past. Join the Historical Society for our General Meeting to learn about modern architecture in Ohio presented by Barbara Powers from the Ohio History Connection. The talk will focus on significant buildings and places illustrating the broad social, political, and economic trends shaping land use, architectural design, and building technology from the 1940s to 1970s.
Barbara Powers, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer and Department Head for Inventory and Registration for the State Historic Preservation Office of the Ohio History Connection, has 42 years of experience with historic survey and the National Register of Historic Places programs in Ohio. Powers serves on the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center Commission. She was state coordinator for the Society of Architectural Historians online publication Archipedia Classic Buildings. Published works include “Ohio’s Pride, the Art and Architecture of the Ohio State Office Building” in Timeline, a publication of the Ohio History Connection; “Louis Bromfield’s Big House at Malabar Farm: Form Follows Fiction” in Recreating the American Past, Essays on the Colonial Revival published by the University of Virginia Press and “The Architecture of the Ohio Governor’s Residence” in Our First Family’s Home published by Ohio University Press. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Miami University and a Master’s in Architectural History with a certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Virginia.
There will be a short business meeting before the program.

"Twas...", A Special Holiday Doll Display
2024-11-12 - 2024-12-21 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
In time for the holidays in the Old Rectory parlor, the Doll Museum presents our annual exhibition. Our dolls will be preparing for Christmas: gift wrapping, baking cookies, tree decorating, greeting card writing, and hanging stockings. From Wednesday November 6th through to the Old Rectory’s seasonal closing on Saturday, Dec. 21st, you are invited to drop in and enjoy the
merriment. Free, Open to the Public.
Gift Shop & Doll Museum Hours:
Wednesday-Friday, 1-4 pm
Saturday, 10 am-2 pm
Closed Wednesday, Nov. 27th and Thursday, Nov. 28th for the holiday.
Saturday, Dec. 21st is the last day to visit the Shop and the Doll Museum in 2024. Closed in January. The Rectory will reopen in February 2025.

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2024-10-17 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!

Sunday Fundays - Oktoberfest
2024-09-22 12:00 - 16:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, Sept. 22nd, 12-4 pm
The Worthington Partnership, along with the merchants of Old Worthington, present “Sunday Fundays”. Once a month, from June through November, the Partnership will host an afternoon of themed food, entertainment, and specials in our historic district.
Each merchant will adapt the theme to their own business. Find the Worthington Historical Society on the Village Green, where volunteers will have Pioneer Games to play and a display table.

"Preserving Your Family Photos and Heirlooms"
2024-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Old Worthington Library, 820 High Street, Worthington, Ohio, 43085
Wednesday, Sept. 18th, 7:00-8:00 pm
Library staff and Society Director Kate LaLonde will share strategies for organizing, preserving and passing along treasured family photographs, books and heirlooms to future generations.

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2024-08-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, August 15th, 6-9 pm
Come visit us at the Shop at the Old Rectory and spend some time enjoying all of the merchants and activities in the area!

Sunday Fundays - End of Summer Fair
2024-08-11 12:00 - 16:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, August 11th, 12-4 pm
The Worthington Partnership, along with the merchants of Old Worthington, present “Sunday Fundays”. Once a month, from June through November, the Partnership will host an afternoon 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 August 11th, and September 22nd.

Sunday Funday - 80s/90s Throwback
2024-07-21 12:00 - 16:00 | Southeast Village Green, 700 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Sunday, July 21st, 12-4 pm
The Worthington Partnership, along with the merchants of Old Worthington, present “Sunday Fundays”. Once a month, from June through November, the Partnership will host an afternoon 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 2nd, July 21st, August 11th, and September 22nd.

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2024-07-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, July 18th, 6-9 pm
Come visit us at the Shop at the Old Rectory and spend some time enjoying all of the merchants and activities in the area!

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2024-06-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, June 20th, 6-9 pm
Come visit us at the Shop at the Old Rectory and spend some time enjoying all of the merchants and activities in the area!

June Annual Meeting & Program
2024-06-12 19:00 - 20:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
St. John’s Episcopal Churchyard Preservation Project with Nancy Elkington and Ted Dziemianowicz
Wednesday, June 12th, 7-8:30 pm
The Griswold Center, 777 High St
Free and Open to the Public
Nancy Elkington and Ted Dziemianowicz, members of St. John’s, launched a project last summer to take a fresh look at who is interred in the churchyard, to clean and repair grave markers, to update access and use policies, and to publish visitor guides and the results of research on burials.
They will talk about the ambitious goals of the project and will share stories about a few mysteries solved and new ones uncovered.
This program will be preceded by a brief business meeting.

Worthington Night Market - Shop Open
2024-05-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Thursday, May 16th, 6-9 pm
Come visit us at the Shop at the Old Rectory and spend some time enjoying all of the merchants and activities in the area!

Picture Worthington: Art Walk 2024 Ribbon Cutting
2024-05-10 09:00 | Dewey’s Pizza, 640 High Street, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Friday, May 10th, 9 am at Dewey’s Pizza in Old Worthington
This walk will feature artists from both past & present including six works that are part of the collections of the Worthington Historical Society. The walk will be featured throughout Worthington through the summer.

Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour: Discover Dublin's Past and its Worthington Connections
2024-05-03 13:30 - 16:30 | The Griswold Center, 777 High St, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
Bus Tour registration for Griswold Members begins on March 25th. Open registration begins on March 27th.
Friday, May 3rd, 1:30-4:30 pm
Join the Worthington Historical Society on this bus tour to visit Dublin, visiting the Dublin Historical Society’s Fletcher Coffman Homestead. The site typifies American farm life of the 1800s and the tour will visit the Civil War era brick house and adjoining farm buildings. Also included will be a stop at the Dublin Cemetery where families with Worthington ties will be highlighted. Registration is required.
Photo credit: Dublin Historical Society Coffman Park (visitdublinohio.com)
Additional itineraries will be featured in the summer session with the Griswold Center. Stay tuned for details!

Night Market - Shop Open
2024-04-18 18:00 - 21:00 | Old Rectory, 50 West New England, Worthington, OH, 43085, United States
In partnership with the Old Worthington shops and Experience Worthington, the Shop at the Old Rectory will be open from 6-9 pm for Night Market. Stop in to shop our antiques and consignments – new items are added all the time!
Restaurants will be open as well as food trucks plus music by DJ Joseph Moorer.
