Holmes County historical societies host volunteer fair in Millersburg

A volunteer fair in Millersburg gave residents a direct way to help keep two of Holmes County’s heritage institutions open, staffed and organized. The Holmes County Historical Society and the Killbuck Valley Historical Society hosted the event at the Castle Club Banquet Center next to the Victorian House Museum, looking for people who can greet visitors, catalog artifacts, handle events and keep archives in order.

The timing underscored the need. Historical groups often rely on a small circle of volunteers to run museums and preserve collections, and in Holmes County that work is tied to both civic identity and tourism. If those roles go unfilled, the result is not just fewer open hours or less polished programming. It can mean fewer opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the county’s stories, buildings and collections.

The Holmes County Historical Society is the county’s only countywide historical society, and it owns and operates both the Victorian House Museum and the Millersburg Glass Museum. Its mission is to preserve, protect and display the county’s history through exhibits, programming, public awareness and archival access. The society’s museums sit at the center of that work, making volunteers essential to day-to-day operations as well as long-term preservation.

The Victorian House Museum, located in Historic Millersburg, is a 28-room Victorian mansion listed in the National Historic Registry. A 2025 Holmes County Chamber press release said the house was built in 1902 and later drew wider attention after being featured on HGTV. Its location beside the volunteer fair made the connection clear: the county’s heritage sites depend on people willing to show up and help keep them visible.

The Millersburg Glass Museum adds another layer to that responsibility. The chamber describes it as the largest public display of Millersburg Carnival and Crystal Glass produced from 1909 to 1912. More than 200 pieces are displayed there, with guided and group tours available by appointment. Keeping that collection accessible takes more than ownership. It takes volunteers who can help maintain the museum’s schedule and public presence.

The Killbuck Valley Historical Society and Museum, at 145 W. Front St. in Killbuck, preserves the natural and cultural history of the Killbuck region and Holmes County. Its collection includes arrowheads, rocks, stone tools, taxidermy and rotating exhibits on local history and military topics. The chamber listed its phone number as 330-763-0133, while the Holmes County Historical Society’s number is 330-674-0022.

For Holmes County, the volunteer fair was less about filling a calendar slot than sustaining the institutions that tell the county’s story. In a place where history is part of the tourism economy, every volunteer helps keep that story open to the public.