HCHS exemplifies good stories, good people
- col-dave-mast
- March 2, 2024
- 170
Holmes County has plenty of things for which it can be grateful.
One of those things is the Holmes County Historical Society, which continues to keep the expansive and important history of Holmes County alive and well.
Led by Director Mark Boley, the board continues to use its creative energy to present intriguing opportunities for both the citizens of small villages to the great community of Holmes County to better understand its roots, its past and how it has grown into the county it is today.
I’ve always been amazed at the amount of work that goes into preparing for one of the organization’s presentations. From archaeological sites, to ghosts, to incredible finds within the county’s borders, to developing presentations about Killbuck, Glenmont, Holmesville, Walnut Creek or any point of interest in the county, this group continues to pour itself into hitting the history books, exploring every nook and cranny and digging up pertinent information that makes history spring to life.
“We have such an incredibly beautiful and interesting history here,” Boley said of Holmes County. “There’s so much to explore and dig into, and there are so many stories that have brought us to where we are today. Each village has its own stories to tell, and the county has such an interesting past. There’s a lot to learn and to tell.”
Two such endeavors are now on the horizon, and both are enchanting and informative and should be fun, interactive evenings for the public to enjoy learning more about Holmes County.
The first of these events is Clue at the Mansion, an evening at the Victorian House in Millersburg that will bring to life some key figures in Holmes County’s past, played by local actors who will help paint a vivid picture of what each figure brought to the table.
Clue at the Mansion will take place Saturday, March 9 with two games, one from 4-6 p.m. and the other from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The public is invited to enjoy not only the flavored history of the county, but also they can do so by participating in another timeless classic, the game Clue, a childhood favorite of many where players explore characters like Professor Plum and Miss Scarlett. Only the list of participants here will all possess the common thread of being tied directly to Holmes County’s past.
Visitors will be encouraged to meet historic Millersburg figures and search the Victorian House Museum for clues to solve a made-up murder. It’s fun for individuals and groups, and the inexpensive cost of $10 per person will not only go to a fun evening, but also serve as a fundraiser for the group.
Tickets are limited and available now through Facebook. To purchase tickets, visit www.facebook.com/VictorianHouseMuseum. Each game is limited to 40 people, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
The second event will be Our Town Millersburg, which will take place March 28 in the newly refurbished American Legion Hall.
I’ve had the joy of seeing some of what will be on display in part I of this showcase, and it is incredibly detailed and informative.
What does one truly know about what went into the building of the county seat? What families helped build the town? What businesses and attractions brought people to the village? What did people do for fun in the 1800s?
The first of this two-part series will explore Millersburg pre-1900, and what is more exciting is people will be invited to share their own insights and bring in their personal memorabilia from throughout Millersburg’s history.
With so many stories to share and fascinating things to learn, the time should fly by as the program recounts the village’s early years and growth.
How many people know where Pomerene Hospital’s first home was in Millersburg?
What did Historic Downtown Millersburg feel like back in the days when automobiles didn’t even exist?
This one is free to attend, although there will be limited seating. Fortunately, WKLM will livestream the event for those who can’t attend. It’s almost a guarantee that people will learn something new on this evening.
The HCHS team continues to do the legwork to bring all of this history to life, and the community and the people of Holmes County are the ones who benefit from it as we get the chance to learn from our past, even as we look to the future.
How fortunate we are to have organizations like this that enhance our county and its people and showcase everything great about a county that continues to be as unique as it is inviting.