HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MILLERSBURG
A Town That Took Two Tries
In November 1815, Adam Johnson and Charles Miller stood on a stretch of Ohio frontier and laid out the streets of what they hoped would become a town. Their first attempt to build the “Old Town” of Millersburg, just north of downtown sits today, never quite took hold. Land disputes and the looming question of a county seat slowed its growth. But the founders weren’t finished.
194 Lots and a Public Square
In April 1824, Andrew Johnston and Charles Miller filed a new plat just to the southeast. Nearly 200 lots were arranged around a central public square that has anchored civic life in Millersburg for more than 200 years. When Holmes County was formed and Millersburg was named its county seat, the town began to prosper. The streets were laid out; Jackson, Clay, Monroe, Crawford, Washington. These streets still run beneath our feet today, lined with the same brick storefronts, courthouses, and gathering places that gave the town its character.
The story of vision, persistence, and place is the foundation of everything Historic Downtown Millersburg works to protect.
To learn more about Holmes County history, visit Holmes History.
Who We Are Today
Historic Downtown Millersburg (HDM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to lead the preservation, growth, and continued evolution of Millersburg’s Historic District. We are a nationally recognized Ohio Main Street community through Heritage Ohio and Main Street America, a designation that places us alongside the most engaged and effective downtown organizations in the country.
In 2024 and 2025, Millersburg was named one of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns. That recognition reflects more than scenic charm. It speaks of a downtown that is still standing, still growing, and still gathering its people. Generations of residents, business owners, civic leaders, and volunteers have made sure of it.
HDM is led by full-time Executive Director Taylor Reining and guided by a dedicated Board of Trustees drawn from across the community.
Our Mission
At Historic Downtown Millersburg (HDM), our mission is to lead the effort for preservation, economic sustainability, and continued evolution of Millersburg’s Historic District as the heart of the community. We sponsor and produce exciting events; promote our location; support economic development; facilitate attraction of new business and expansion of existing ones; and foster partnerships with merchants, civic leaders, organizations, and the community.
Our Vision
Millersburg’s Historic District as the heart of the community — preserved, economically sustainable, and continuing to evolve.
Things Historic Downtown Millersburg Does
1. Preserving History & Heritage
• Pursue grants and funding opportunities that support the restoration and preservation of historic downtown buildings.
• Provide educational resources and community initiatives that encourage historic preservation and local involvement.
• Protect and celebrate Millersburg’s historic architecture to ensure its character and charm endure for future generations.
2. Boosting the Local Economy
• Positioning Historic Downtown Millersburg as a premier destination for new, growing, and locally owned businesses.
• Supporting revitalization efforts by working to fill vacant storefronts and strengthen the downtown business district.
• Enhancing tourism initiatives that increase foot traffic, encourage visitor engagement, and support long-term economic growth for local businesses.
3. Bringing People Together
• Host annual signature events, including Girls Night Out, Hop Around Millersburg, Thunder Over Holmes County, the Holmes County Art Festival, the Chocolate Walk, and more.
• Create engaging community experiences that foster connection, celebrate local culture, and bring residents and visitors together.
• Enhance the quality of life in Millersburg by cultivating a welcoming, vibrant, and active downtown atmosphere.
4. Creating Community
• Support a sustainable future for Millersburg’s Historic District through planning and community-focused initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships between merchants, residents, organizations, and civic leaders to foster the downtown community.
• Facilitate collaboration and shared investment in the continued success of Historic Downtown Millersburg.
Meet Taylor
Taylor Reining, Executive Director
Taylor has proudly served as Executive Director of Historic Downtown Millersburg since 2024. With a strong background in community development and tourism, Taylor brings both experience and enthusiasm to the role.
Prior to joining Historic Downtown Millersburg, Taylor worked with the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, supporting local businesses and promoting the region to visitors.
In addition to her professional work, Taylor is actively involved in the community, serving on the Village of Millersburg Tree City Committee and the Business and Housing Committee. She is a graduate of both the Leadership Holmes County program and the Ohio Tourism Leadership Academy, and she is a member of the Millersburg Lions Club. Taylor also serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Holmes County Humane Society.
As Executive Director, Taylor is dedicated to preserving the charm and history of downtown while fostering a vibrant, welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Outside of her work and community involvement, Taylor enjoys life with her husband Austin and their son Reed. She loves spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, gardening, baking, caring for cats, raising chickens, and enjoying all the everyday moments in between.
Meet the board
Board Members of Historic Downtown Millersburg
Arnie Oliver, President – Holmes County Planning Commission
Jason Hummel, Vice President – Commercial & Savings Bank
Kristen Yoder, Treasurer – Village Toy Shop
Madeline DeWitt, Secretary – Owens Real Estate Firm
Robyn Harford, Past President – The Killbuck Savings Bank Co.
Tia Cernava – Pomerene Hospital
Dan Mathie – Critchfield, Critchfield, & Johnston
Mark Leininger – Holmes County Economic Development
Courtney Sigler – Park National Bank
Kenzie Gallion – Holmes County Chamber of Commerce / Creative Quo
Nate Troyer – Village of Millersburg
Ronda Steimel – Holmes County Clerk of Courts