By Ann Swinderman
The words "visitor center" typically invokes images of brochures and maps and someone giving specific directions to nearby locations.
While the newly opened Amish County Byway Visitor Center has pamphlets of various tourist hot spots in the region, it is more than just a brochure distribution center.
"We give the visitors an authentic experience of what there is to be found in greater Holmes County," explained Chris Sieverdes, executive director for the Amish Country Byway Visitor Center.
"Visitors can see the entire scenic recreation area, learn about our past and see what makes us unique," said Sieverdes, a former Clemson University professor and member of the Ohio State University Extension Advisory Committee and volunteer.
One authentic experience from Holmes County"s past can be experienced inside the center. A permanent Millersburg Carnival Glass display can be seen. The collection was purchased from a local family and is currently on lease to the visitor center. The display honors the historical and cultural heritage of a Holmes County business enterprise that began in the early 1900s.
The center, located in the heart of Historic Downtown Millersburg at 87 W. Jackson Street, provides a three prong approach to educate Holmes County visitors.
Sieverdes said the goal is to provide three basis sectors of what the area has to offer. Those include educating visitors on cultural, historical and natural resources of the area.
The center is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization and its official name is Heritage Tourism Regional Cooperative. The co-op works through partnerships with nonprofit organizations in the region. Through this work it provides education and leadership to its partnership"s members, associate members and others involved in the heritage tourism industry in the region.
In addition to being a visitor center, "we educate the nonprofit to assist them in furthering their own mission and grow," said Sieverdes. "We work together and don"t compete against each other. Our goal is to allow the visitor to see a complete experience of Holmes County. Together we are stronger."
The center is open Thursday and Friday, 2-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 2 p.m.
