Millersburg Glass Museum renamed in honor of Chris Sieverdes
State representative Mark Hiner reads a proclamation honoring Chris Sieverdes, right, during the recent celebration of renaming the Millersburg Glass Museum in honor of the Sieverdes family.
For years, the Millersburg Glass Museum has been a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists, showcasing one of the world’s most sought-after collections of carnival glass.
Now, visitors will enter that glass-filled world under a new name.
On Thursday, April 10, a group of local historians, dignitaries and community members gathered to officially honor the renaming of the museum to the Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum, in tribute to its creator and curator, Chris Sieverdes.
Sieverdes has been the driving force behind the museum’s growth, investing personal funds to acquire some of the most prestigious pieces of Millersburg Glass in existence, including four of the nine known People’s Vases.
The museum’s collection paints a vivid picture of the stunning glassware imagined and created in the early 1900s by glassmaker John Fenton. Through his tireless work, Sieverdes has preserved this legacy for future generations.
Sieverdes accepted the honor in his signature, storytelling fashion.
“It’s overwhelming,” he said. “I knew something was up, but I didn’t know the full extent. I didn’t get into this for this type of honor, but I did it because I love history.”
When Sieverdes first arrived in the area, Millersburg Glass was nearly impossible to find publicly, as most people kept their pieces packed away or on display in their homes due to their rarity and value. His goal was to change that — to bring this unique art form into the public eye, and that’s where the idea for the museum began.
The renaming ceremony was planned as a surprise, although Sieverdes admitted he had a feeling something was going on.
Mark Boley, executive director of the Holmes County Historical Society, served as emcee and shared background on Sieverdes, a retired professor from Clemson University.
The museum originally opened in downtown Millersburg but truly flourished after relocating to a building next to the Victorian House on the north side of town — property purchased by the HCHS.
“We renamed it the Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum not just in honor of Chris, but also in honors of his family because his dad was a crystal and china dealer, and that’s how Chris got his interest in glass.”
Boley recalled accompanying Sieverdes when he purchased his first Millersburg Glass pieces — a moment that marked the start of his journey.
“I had a special feeling that something great was going to come of that, and the rest is history,” Boley said. “But it’s not just here that he leaves his mark. He really is a genuine person in the community and not even a local.”
Sieverdes’ contributions to Holmes County extend beyond glass. He donated generously to reroof the Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center in Berlin during a time of urgent need.
He said that when he first visited Holmes County years ago, he knew it was a place where he could happily spend his retirement — and since then, he has devoted himself to preserving its history.
“He’s very humble and genuine,” Boley said.
Dignitaries in attendance included Millersburg Mayor Kelly Hoffee; State Rep. Mark Hiner; Holmes County Historical Society board president Mary Tipton; representatives from the offices of U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson and Max Miller; and Holmes County Commissioner Eric Strouse. All presented proclamations in Sieverdes’ honor.
“Chris’ unwavering passion and commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Millersburg Glass has made this museum and this dedication possible,” Tipton said. “His dedication to excellence and education will inspire generations to come. This museum stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and the beauty of Millersburg Glass.”
Hoffee echoed those sentiments before making a special announcement.
“I hereby proclaim April 10, 2025, as Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum Day,” she said.
Though Sieverdes has a deep love for glass, he said what he’s enjoyed most has been the people — those he’s had the joy of guiding through the museum, sharing fascinating stories behind the pieces and the legacy of John Fenton and his company.
His passion for glass began with his father’s work, although not specifically in Millersburg Glass.
The museum’s location — just three-tenths of a mile from where Millersburg Glass was originally created — only adds to its authenticity, Sieverdes said.
“We’ve brought this back home,” he said, referring to the collection of carnival glass that became highly collectible thanks to Fenton’s inventive, creative nature.
“I just thought it was important to share the incredible beauty and history of Millersburg Glass with everyone because the stories are as much a part of the museum as is the glass,” Sieverdes said. “I felt like I needed to at least give it a whirl and see what might come of creating a museum. I don’t know that I ever thought it would get to the level it has become.
“The legacy of Millersburg is phenomenal. This glass is one of a kind and is the best carnival glass that was made. It will now have a longer life span because we appreciate what we have.”
The Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum is located at 434 N. Washington St. in Millersburg and is open April 1 through Oct. 31, Tuesday through Sunday, from 1-4 p.m.