David Zeisberger and Schoenbrunn Village: The First Settlement in Ohio

Join Muskingum 250 for a fascinating evening with Laura Milarcik, Site Interpreter at Schoenbrunn Village, as she brings to life the story of Ohio’s first European‑style settlement and its deep connections to the Muskingum region. Schoenbrunn Village, founded in the 1770s in the Tuscarawas Valley, was a remarkable mission community where Moravian missionaries and Moravian Delaware converts lived and worshiped together. Laura will explore the daily life of this unique frontier town, its role during the rising tensions of the American Revolution, and the ways its history continues to shape our understanding of early Ohio. Using primary sources, objects from the site, and a PowerPoint presentation, Laura will immerse the audience in the world of 18th‑century Schoenbrunn and highlight its significance as we celebrate America 250. Laura Milarcik has been involved with Schoenbrunn Village for more than a decade as both staff and volunteer. Her passion for history, combined with her love of nature and travel, enriches her interpretation of this significant early American site. For more information or to plan your trip to Schoenbrunn Village, please visit historicsites.ohiohistory.org/schoenbrunn/ Thank you to our partners!