The Works

Experience central Ohio's best destination for hands-on discovery with local history, art, science, and glassblowing

During the last 20 years, thousands of families, school groups, teachers, and adults have experienced the opportunity to dream big and have fun with hands-on history, art, science and glass at The Works. We invite you to join us. Plan your own discovery today.

Our Path

The vision for The Works began in the early 1990s when Howard LeFevre assembled a group of local citizens interested in preserving Licking County’s rich industrial heritage. 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 Scheidler Machine Works, built in 1882, became the footprint of our main museum, and housed the first of what would become our signature hands-on exhibits. After several additions and periods of growth, today The Works Complex fills an entire city block just south of the historic courthouse square in downtown Newark.