The Worthington Way

meaningful experiences that commemorate Worthington’s journey from village to city. In doing so, the WHS preserves historical sites and objects, including the Orange Johnson House, one of the oldest residences in central Ohio standing in its original location, and the Doll Museum, which features collections of original 19th- and 20th-century dolls.

The WHS also offers a Picture Worthington: History Walk showcasing historic photographs mounted in the locations they were captured at many years prior. The history walks are a great opportunity to explore how the city has evolved. To learn more, visit www.worthington history.org.

Old Worthington

History, Arts and Community

IN 1803 a group of New England proprietors led by James Kilbourne founded Worthington on 16,000 acres of land, making it the earliest planned community in Ohio. As families began to settle into the pioneer village during the early 19th century, it acquired a post office in 1805, an Academy in 1808 and a newspaper and manufacturing company in 1811.

The population growth remained relatively steady until the electric street railway connected Worthington to Columbus in 1893. Following this advance, residents were able to live in Worthington while still working and shopping in the city of Columbus. The village then acquired a telephone exchange, public water system and mail delivery. As the area quickly progressed, the population surpassed 5,000 residents in 1954, earning Worthington the designation of city.

The city’s population continued skyrocketing through the post-war years, reaching

15,326 by 1970. From there, the city began creating subdivisions, building schools and developing recreational activities that transformed the area into the Worthington we know today.

Now providing a home to 14,680 residents, Worthington provides its residents with one-of-a-kind events, community initiatives and local businesses.

Worthington Historical Society

FOUNDED IN 1955, the Worthington Historical Society (WHS) strives to create

OLD WORTHINGTON is the city’s Historic District where visitors can find charming retail shops, delicious restaurants and exciting community events.

Experience Worthington, a part of the Worthington Partnership, an umbrella organization that focuses on enhancing the Worthington experience and welcoming visitors into the community, ensures there’s always something going on in Old Worthington. It offers monthly Sunday Fundays from June through November, each featuring themed food and entertainment; an annual Market Day, hosted by the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce, where artisans line the streets with hand-crafted goods; and a range of other events.

One of Experience Worthington’s hallmark events is the Worthington Farmers Market – Ohio’s premier farmer’s market – held every Saturday from May through October. The market features more than 70 local vendors offering fruits, vegetables, cheeses, jams, soaps, plants and much more.

For more information and a complete listing of restaurants and shops in Old Worthington, visit www.experience worthington.com.

Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington

THERE’S NO NEED to drive downtown to experience the arts!

The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington (MAC) is a multidisciplinary facility promoting the performing, visual and digital arts. With a vision of “bringing people together through experiences that spark learning and explore creative conversations,” the MAC boasts a variety of performances, exhibitions, classes and cultural opportunities.

The MAC’s 213 seat Bronwynn Theatre offers an exciting musical performance series featuring jazz and chamber music groups, while the visual exhibition gallery is always bringing in new exhibits by local artists. The MAC’s classes cover a range of artistic disciplines for both adults and children including ceramics, painting, drawing and sculpting.

The MAC also hosts the Worthington Arts Festival, one of central Ohio’s premier community arts shows. Ranked one of the top 200 arts festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine, the festival draws in renowned artists from across the country and proudly welcomes more than 25,000 visitors annually.

For more information, visit www. mcconnellarts.org.