The Works Mission Statement
The Works is an interactive learning center where people of all ages can have fun and be inspired by the history, technology and artistic accomplishments of the communities we serve.
The Works History
The vision for The Works began in the early 1990’s when Howard LeFevre assembled a group of local citizens interested in preserving Licking County’s industrial past. Local educators, artists, engineers and community leaders became partners in the creation of an institution where history was the foundation for educational programs linking the past, present and future. The best and brightest professionals were engaged to shape programs that would refurbish and transform historic structures in order to provide interactive programming experiences for all ages.
First known as the Museum of Industry of Licking County in 1994, the building that once housed the Scheidler Machine Works was renamed The Institute of Industrial Technology in 1996 when it opened to the public. When the focus of the museum shifted from industrial display to an educational institution in 2001, the name was changed to the Knowledge Works. In 2000, construction again began on downtown Newark’s South Second Street. The addition of a visual arts and digital component to the existing museum now offered a comprehensive educational and cultural establishment to the Licking County community.
In 2001, to incorporate the new additions of art and technology, the name was changed to The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology. This name was chosen to honor the Scheidler Machine Works and its Founder, Reinhard Scheidler, a local inventor with over 60 patents to his name. He was also a director of the Newark Savings Bank and one of the founders of the Newark-Granville Interurban Transit Company.
The Works Print Shop and the Works Wood Shop were completed in 2004. A new Collections and Facilities building also opened in the spring of 2005. The LeFevre Foundation Administration Building opened in May 2008 as the final addition to The Works. This building serves the museum’s entrance, houses the Art Gallery and Gift shop on the first floor and staff offices on the second floor. From the entrance, a hall known as “Donor’s Hall,” leads to the main museum building.
Today, The Works is an impressive infrastructure of renovated facilities, energetic volunteers, a dedicated staff, exciting exhibits, school-supported programs, strategic partnerships, and enthusiastic community support.
The LeFevre Courtyard, generously donated by the J. Gilbert Reese Family Foundation, links the entire city block that The Works encompasses with a pleasant park-like setting. A historical brick walkway between the buildings honors Licking County citizens of the past and present who have contributed to the rich history of the community.
For more information about The Works and Works programming visit www.attheworks.org.
Happy Hunting!