Holmes County Historical Society Preserves Millersburg Glass and Local Heritage

The Holmes County Historical Society operates the Victorian House Museum and the Millersburg Glass Museum on its Millersburg campus at 484 Wooster Road, safeguarding a one-of-a-kind regional legacy that matters to residents, researchers and the county economy. The Glass Museum holds the world’s only public Millersburg Glass collection, produced locally from 1909 to 1912, while the Victorian House offers guided and self-guided tours that illustrate period restoration and local social history.

Both museums are seasonal, with the museum season typically opening in spring and running through fall; visitors are advised to check the society’s website or call for exact hours. The society handles admission and group-tour arrangements and fields research requests through its archives. The research library and newspaper archive maintained by the society are practical tools for genealogists, local historians and anyone tracing family or property histories in Holmes County.

The institutional role of the historical society extends beyond exhibit halls. Rotating exhibits, educational programs and special events on the campus support heritage tourism and community learning, drawing visitors to Millersburg’s downtown and providing programming for schools and civic groups. Because the Millersburg Glass collection is unique to the public sphere, its preservation—cataloging, conservation and public access—carries outsized value for scholars and collectors as well as for local identity.

For local policymakers and civic leaders, the presence of a singular public collection and active research archives highlights the public good that historical institutions deliver. Sustaining museum hours, funding conservation work and promoting archival access all affect how widely residents and visitors can use these resources. At the same time, the society’s services create opportunities for civic engagement: volunteers, docent-led tours, school partnerships and genealogy researchers all deepen community ties and make county history more tangible.

Practical access remains straightforward. The campus address is 484 Wooster Road in Millersburg; for current hours, admission details or to arrange group tours and research appointments, contact the society via its website or by phone. Planning ahead is especially important during the seasonal schedule and for use of the research library.

The takeaway? Millersburg’s glass heritage and the Victorian House are local assets that shine a light on who we are. Our two cents? Call ahead, bring a friend, and consider using the archives or volunteering—these small acts help keep county history visible and useful for the next generation.