Today, we introduce you to Charlie Williams, who is volunteering his time and talent as the
Refresh Project Manager

Charlie uses special wrenches to remove the wheels from the carriage so that it can be removed from the front room as work is getting underway.

Charlie's interest in renovating and restoring historic structures attracted him to the Refresh Project, now getting underway after a year of planning. He has generously volunteered to lead the project as our project manager, and we are so appreciative.

We got to know Charlie when he became the current resident artist at the Old Academy Building. His beautiful landscapes have been on display and for sale during several pubic events, but mostly he works alone, valuing the peace and and ambience that the historic Granville building offers him.

"Charlie has jumped right into Refresh," said Evelyn Frolking, Committee Chair. "He brings sound skills and tested ideas to the table as he interacts with the trades people who will do the work. We are lucky to have him on our team."

Charlie grew up in Youngstown, Ohio and went to John Carroll University in Cleveland. He later moved to New York City and worked on film and television sets as both a scenic painter and a set designer and builder.

Charlie, with helpers Tod Frolking and Dave Goodwin, carefully move the carriage into the Robinson Room for safe storage during the renovation.

His wife, Helen, is a fashion designer, and the family settled in Chappaqua, NY, where they raised two children. Charlie has designed and built custom cabinetry and furniture for apartments in New York City and renovated several antique homes in the lower Hudson Valley.

As an artist who specializes in landscapes, he said he always kept his painting studio going regardless of where he lived. Three of his pieces were purchased by the MET in Manhattan and are on display in the apartment directly across from the museum.

Charlie and Helen returned to Ohio in 2019 and settled in Granville when Helen took a position as senior director of women’s design at Abercrombie & Fitch. Charlie and Helen live on Elm Street.

Is the Archives Open During this Work?

Yes, while you will find the Robinson Room full of materials from the Museum's original rooms, the Archives remains open on Thursdays. Access to all other rooms is restricted, but you are welcome to visit the Archives or the office during their regular hours.