About Us . . .
 
Mission Statement:

To research and study the history of the Oliver Miller family, pioneer settlers in western Pennsylvania, and their homestead located in South Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

To restore, furnish, and preserve the Miller home in a manner consistent with the lifestyle of an American pioneer family in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

To operate and maintain the Miller home as a public museum.

All in order to actively interpet, demonstrate and promote pioneer skills, values, and lifestyle as a heritage of great worth to modern Americans.

The property was purchased by Allegheny County in 1927 to become a part of South Park.  Miller belongings were removed at that time. 

In 1934, given the name Stone Manse and declared a national historic site, the Miller home was open to the public. 

For a short period of time the building was furnished and under the care of the County Federation of Women's Clubs.  Later the house was staffed by an Allegheny County caretaker.

     

 
 
In 1973, a new dedicated volunteer organization, the Oliver Miller Homestead Associates, was given approval by Allegheny County to be the official curators of the Homestead.  Through the years, this all volunteer organization, with the help of Allegheny County’s Department of Parks, has improved the conditions of the house and grounds, added structures, and developed programs to educate the public on the Millers and eighteenth century life in western Pennsylvania.
 

Individuals who have an interest in historical interpretation, pioneer crafts, early American life and related subjects are invited to join the Oliver Miller Homestead Associates, an informal group of volunteers dedicated to preserving and interpreting pioneer skills, values and lifestyle as a heritage of great worth to twentieth century Americans.

Pospective members are asked to attend two General Meetings and to express their interest in membership.

Members pay dues of $10 per year and are expected to devote at least six hours per month on activities ranging from serving as docents to maintaining the house and grounds. There are many ways to fulfil the required hours. Members are also expected to attend at least half of the meetings each year.

For more information, ask any docent or call 412-835-1554.

A major goal was realized in 1988 when a two-story loghouse was built.  Dedicated in 1989, it serves as a visitor's center.  A reminder of the first Miller house, it contains the Miller whiskey still, a chart of the Miller Family, farm items of the period, a research library for members, and a trading post.

In 1991, the Oliver Miller Homestead Associates built a fully equipped 18th century blacksmith shop on the Homestead grounds.  On special days, a blacksmith is at the forge to demonstrate the making of basic items used on the farm.