Toward 250 Years: A Miller Place Family’s Revolutionary Story

As we continue this 12-week program, we invite the Miller Place community to step into a story rooted close to home. The narrator and her family were real residents of Miller Place, and this journal is inspired by their lives and world. While the diary entries themselves are imagined, they are set within real dates, places, events, and people that shaped our town during the American Revolution.

As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday, these reflections ask us to remember not only independence, but what it cost families here—in sacrifice, endurance, and loss. Through one household’s story, we honor the shared history that helped shape Miller Place and the country we live in today.

Toward 250 Years: A Miller Place Family’s Revolutionary Story

As we continue this 12-week program, we invite the Miller Place community to step into a story rooted close to home. The narrator and her family were real residents of Miller Place, and this journal is inspired by their lives and world. While the diary entries themselves are imagined, they are set within real dates, places, events, and people that shaped our town during the American Revolution.

As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday, these reflections ask us to remember not only independence, but what it cost families here—in sacrifice, endurance, and loss. Through one household’s story, we honor the shared history that helped shape Miller Place and the country we live in today.

Toward 250 Years: A Miller Place Family’s Revolutionary Story

As we continue this 12-week program, we invite the Miller Place community to step into a story rooted close to home. The narrator and her family were real residents of Miller Place, and this journal is inspired by their lives and world. While the diary entries themselves are imagined, they are set within real dates, places, events, and people that shaped our town during the American Revolution.

As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday, these reflections ask us to remember not only independence, but what it cost families here—in sacrifice, endurance, and loss. Through one household’s story, we honor the shared history that helped shape Miller Place and the country we live in today.

Toward 250 Years: A Miller Place Family’s Revolutionary Story

As we begin this 12-week program, we invite the Miller Place community to step into a story rooted close to home. The narrator and her family were real residents of Miller Place, and this journal is inspired by their lives and world. While the diary entries themselves are imagined, they are set within real dates, places, events, and people that shaped our town during the American Revolution.

As we approach the nation’s 250th birthday, these reflections ask us to remember not only independence, but what it cost families here—in sacrifice, endurance, and loss. Through one household’s story, we honor the shared history that helped shape Miller Place and the country we live in today.

In Memoriam: Margaret Cibulka

We are saddened to share the passing of our dear friend and Miller Place-Mt. Sinai Historical Society trustee, Margaret Cibulka.

Margaret lived a life devoted to education, culture, and community. Early in her career, she was selected by the National Institute of Mental Health to teach in the nation’s first classroom for children with learning differences—a pioneering role that reflected her dedication to students and innovative learning. Later, she pursued her passion for food, training at the renowned Cordon Bleu in London and La Varenne in Paris, where she met the legendary Julia Child.

In Miller Place, Margaret was more than a neighbor—she was a committed steward of local history. As a member of the Hawkins House Committee, she worked to preserve the historic fabric of our community for future generations.

Margaret’s legacy is one of curiosity, service, and generosity. We will miss her presence and are deeply grateful for the contributions she made to our shared story.

Help Preserve the 1720 William Miller House

We have exciting and ambitious plans for the 1720 William Miller House this year. Thanks to careful planning—and an unexpected gift of service—we’re moving forward with critical upgrades. Our original goal was to raise $75,000 to cover major needs. So far, we’ve secured $56,155.

These funds are already earmarked for:

  • Electrical upgrades
  • Foundation repairs
  • Shingle replacement and repairs
  • Full exterior sealing and painting

We are still working to raise funds for:

  • Authentic historical paints
  • Archival and storage materials
  • Conservation supplies

An unexpected and generous offer also came from one of our local Boy Scouts, who has volunteered to build a new fence for the property! We are now seeking additional support to help fund materials for this project.

Your donation helps protect and preserve a vital part of our community’s history.
Please consider supporting any part of these projects by using the donation link below.

Preservation in Action: Preparing for the Future

In 2024, the House Committee undertook a significant effort to prepare the William Miller House for a new Conservation Plan. Their work included:

  • Cleaning and Conservation: Carefully cleaning and conserving the house and its artifacts to ensure their integrity and longevity.
  • Room Resets: Resetting the rooms to better align with the goals of preservation and historical accuracy.

These efforts reflect the committee’s commitment to safeguarding this 300-plus-year-old historic home and its artifacts, ensuring that they can be cherished by future generations for another 300 years.

Through meticulous care and planning, the William Miller House continues to serve as a living testament to our community’s rich history.

Internship Opportunity: Learn from the Past, Build Your Future

Are you an AP high school or college student looking to gain valuable experience and enhance your resume? The Miller Place-Mount Sinai Historical Society offers an exciting unpaid internship that combines learning, leadership, and community engagement.

Opportunities for Growth

As an intern, you will have the chance to:

  • Develop and Execute Museum Programming: Help create engaging programs and events that bring history to life.
  • Educational Outreach: Design and implement educational activities for visitors of all ages.
  • Preservation and Conservation Internship: Work closely with our Preservation Team to learn hands-on techniques in preserving historical artifacts and structures.

Supervised Learning

Under the guidance of the Preservation Team, you’ll gain valuable insights into museum operations, programming, and conservation efforts, preparing you for future academic and professional success. Send an email of interest to info@mpmshs.org