The Pioneer & Historical Society

Preserving local history since 1890

The Pioneer and Historical Society of Muskingum County was incorporated on March 4, 1890, as an outgrowth of the Muskingum County Pioneer Association and the Old Settlers Association. The new occupied a room and maintained its collection in the old Memorial Hall on N. Fifth Street in Zanesville. When that building was demolished in 1937, the Society moved its collection to the former Bailey Home at the corner of Maple and Adair, sharing the building with the Zanesville Art Institute.

From 1937 to 1970 the Art Institute expanded and the space available for the Historical Society was reduced, making it impossible to accept gifts or add to the collection. In 1970, the Society finally acquired a permanent home when Mrs. F.F. Frazier bequeathed it the Dr. Increase Mathews House at 304 Woodlawn Avenue. A community-wide appeal provided the needed funding  to open the house as museum. The Stone Academy, 115 Jefferson Street, was willed to the Society in 1983 by Lydia McHenry Taylor on the condition that it be operated as a museum.

The Historical Society has re-committed to mission that has guided the organization for 120 years. That mission includes preserving the memory of the pioneers who settled here, collecting items of historical significance, and preserving them intact for future generations. Our dedication to this mission sets us apart from all other community organizations. We are uniquely situated to remain the primary advocate for local history in Muskingum County.