Oliver Miller Homestead opens for season on May 15
Visits to the Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park on May 15 will have the opportunity to meet the pioneer family and hear the story about settling in the region during the tumultuous times as America struggled for its independence.
The original stone house and six additional buildings comprise the Oliver Miller Homestead. The historic site, located at 1 Stone Manse Drive in South Park, opens for the season May 15. Hours are 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sundays throughout the year. Admission will be $2 for the special opening, which includes a visit with the original settlers.
The Oliver Miller Homestead in South Park opens May 15 for the season.
Located in South Park at 1 Stone Manse Drive, off Corrigan Drive, the pioneer landmark and Whiskey Rebellion site is open to the public for self-guided tours every Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Last admission is at 4 p.m.
The Homestead includes an original stone house and spring house, a reconstructed log house, blacksmith forge, barn, demonstration shed and various gardens. Guides in 18th century dress will conduct tours, demonstrate pioneer crafts, cook outdoors and over the open hearth while discussing history.
Admission is $1 unless there are special events, at which time fees increase to $2.
Meet the Millers will be the special program on May 15. Visitors can get acquainted with the home’s former occupants and hear their story and learn fun facts about their neighbors.
Having settled here in the 1770s, the Millers share a story commonly found among frontier families. A hardy people, they endured much, and relied on their neighbors for five generations before the farm became a part of Allegheny County’s South Park.
Other special events this summer include:
n Tools of the Frontiers on June 19. The tools used to shape the frontier will be displayed and discussed. Focus will be given to the forge where glowing hot metal is shaped into much-needed items; the toolshed, where special attention is devoted to carving wood and horn, and the barn, which was the heart of many farms,
n Liberty Day on July 3. The Declaration of Independence will be read at 2:30 PM. The celebration will include huzzahs, bells, gunfire, fire crackers, and time-period music. Visits will learn about the Miller boys’ involvement in the Revolutionary War, as well as others who gave all to secure freedoms for the nation.
n Whiskey Rebellion Day on July 17. The uprising of 1794 was the most significant domestic disturbance until the Civil War. A short skit at 2:30 p.m. will explain the family’s involvement in the event. Visitors will be able to view the original whiskey still on display in the barn. The whiskey making process will also be discussed.
n Revolutionary War Encampment on Sept. 4. Patrons can experience camp life of a soldiers with a hands-on approach to the conflict. Docents will appear in authentic military garb and equipment.
n The fall harvest will be highlighted in programs on Sept. 18 and Oct. 16. Preserving food and turning raw materials into clothing for the approaching winter will be discussed and demonstrated.
n Thanksgiving on the Frontier on Nov. 20. A local minister portrays Rev. John McMillan, who founded a number of the area churches; he will preside over a short service as the Miller family celebrates the holiday with a feast prepared over the open hearth.
n Holiday traditions on Dec. 4. Observers will see how the Scots celebrated ‘Hogmanay” and share in other Christmas holiday traditions on the frontier.
On Nov. 6, the site will be open from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a special twilight event. The Homestead will be illuminated by candlelight and cressets. Warm cider and cookies will be available in the barn.
Visit www.olivermillerhomestead.org or call 412-835-1554 for more information.