You may also go to YouTube to watch this short video about the Elijah J. Miller House.
In honor of President’s Day, a federal holiday celebrated each February in tribute to our first U.S. President George Washington, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is highlighting the important work that was done to restore the historic Elijah J. Miller House in North White Plains. The Westchester County Parks property, which was renovated by Latimer in 2019, was the home of Elijah and Ann Miller, and where President Washington once stayed during the American Revolution. After spending more than 20 years in disrepair, the site is now an educational center where children and families can visit to explore a piece of our nation’s history. While the property was forced to close due to COVID-19, the County is hopeful for a future, reservation-based reopening with New York State Safety Guidelines in place.
Latimer said: “While we may not be able to gather at the Miller House in person, the meaning behind this historic home should never be forgotten. When we made the commitment to reestablish the Miller House, that decision wasn’t only made because there was a historic building that we wanted to honor. This building tells us all something about who George Washington was when he was here. It tells us the story of the American Spirit, which we should all remember on President’s Day.”
Commissioner of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Kathy O’Connor said: “We were thrilled that the restoration of the Miller House was a priority for the Latimer administration. It sat for so long and sustained structural damage to the point where we could no longer allow visitors. We look forward to the day when we can begin programming again to educate children about this important landmark and history of their County.”
Cynthia Kauffman of the Daughters of Liberty’s Legacy (DOLL) said: “DOLL was honored to be a part of the revival of the historic Miller House, an extraordinary local landmark. A significant place in our American history where Generals Washington, Lee, Gates and others stood fast against British tyranny and fought for Liberty during the American Revolution. DOLL is pleased to have presented entertaining and historic programs about the Miller family’s supporting role in our fight for liberty. We look forward to 'Ann Fisher Miller' welcoming the community back to the reopening of Miller House and continuing our collaboration with Westchester County Parks.”
President of Friends of Miller House John S. Diaconis said: “We are grateful for County Executive Latimer’s leadership in preserving this historic landmark. The Elijah Miller House is an 18th century farm house used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War as a headquarters command post. During the Battle of White Plains, soldiers took shelter under the shade of a 300 year old sycamore that’s preserved on the property.”
DOLL is a New York 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, founded by two women who are descendants of Patriots who fought for Liberty during the American Revolution. DOLL was formed for the purpose of promoting patriotism and preserving history.
The 501 (c)(3) Friends of Miller House/Washington’s Headquarters is an organization dedicated to help preserve the historic preservation and its ongoing operations
The Miller House is on the National Register of Historic Places, the New York State Register of Historic Places and the Westchester County Inventory of Historic Places. It’s also a Town of North Castle Landmark.