go explore!
Spend some time learning about how Worthington developed into a historically rich community from its early days in the 1800s. Many of Worthington’s historical attractions will take you back to experience that time in history.
Jeffers Mound
This prehistoric mound is all that remains of a much larger complex of earthworks that once occupied this site, a dramatic 60-foot bluff overlooking the Olentangy River. The earthworks are believed to have been built by the Hopewell people between 100 BC and AD 400, although archeologists have found signs of human habitation at this site dating back to 8,000 BC.
Plesenton Drive
(614) 885.1427
worthingtonhistory.org
Ohio railway museum
One of the oldest railway museums in America. Designed to educate through displays and demonstrations, including a twomile round trip on one of the museum’s streetcars or interurbans. The Ohio Railway Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the railroad history of Ohio and the United States. Our mission is to promote the appreciation of railway history and its role in the growth of developing industrial technology in Ohio and the United States and to provide an interactive educational experience to the public. Founded in 1948, the Ohio Railway Museum is the fourth oldest rail museum in the United States and may have been the very first one to operate.
990 Proprietors Road
(614) 885.7345
ohiorailwaymuseum.org
old rectory doll museum
The Doll Museum offers a fine permanent collection of nineteenth-century dolls and toys. Among them are German chinas, Parian bisques, French fashions, Milliners’ models and French bébés. American dolls include the work of maker Ludwig Greiner, Izannah Walker and Joel Ellis. Self-guided or docent led tours are available, as are special children’s programs. Also housed in the elegant Greek Revival headquarters of the Worthington Historical Society are the gift shop, library archive, and appointed parlor.
50 West New England Avenue
(614) 885.1247
worthingtonhistory.org
orange johnson house
Visit this exceptional museum and be inspired to imagine life as it was 200 years ago. Explore the 1800s in Worthington in one of the oldest residences standing in its original location in central Ohio. This property is the only lifestyle museum in Ohio that portrays both the pioneer period prior to the War of 1812 and with Federal addition, a more elegant lifestyle reminiscent of New England after the War. Worthington brick mason Arora Buttles built the pioneer portion in 1811. In 1819 Orange Johnson, who was a hornsmith before becoming a successful farmer and businessman, had the stately Federal-style addition built. Here, he and wife Achsa raised their family.
956 High Street
(614) 885.1247
worthingtonhistory.org
rush creek village
Community in which each house is uniquely designed for the lifestyle of the homeowner, but also fits into an architecturally integrated pattern. Inspired by the organic architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.
worthingtonhistory.org
worthington historical society
The Worthington Historical Society is located in the Old Rectory, a structure that was originally built in 1845 at the Rectory for St. John’s Episcopal Church. The building now houses the WHS administrative offices, the Doll Museum and the Shop. After serving 15 rectors over 80 years on the Village Green, the Rectory was moved to Hartford Street and then moved again to its present location when the WHS acquired it. The Old Rectory is built in the classic Greek revival style with a later addition on the north side. The parlor has been elegantly restored to the Empire Period with a magnificent needlepoint rug on view.
50 West New England Avenue
(614) 885.1247
worthingtonhistory.org