Dr. Sarah Miller received the DAR National Excellence in Historic Preservation Medal during a luncheon hosted by the Colonel Joseph Glover Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The award recognizes a person who has done extraordinary work over a long period of time in establishing a historic district, preserving a local landmark, restoring or preserving objects of historic cultural significance, or establishing or participating in oral history projects, youth leadership and education at the regional, state, and/or national level. Additionally, Bill Young, Mayor of Walterboro, proclaimed May 15 as Dr. Sarah Miller Day and presented her with a resolution from the City of Walterboro commending her on receiving this honor.
Miller, professor of history and interim associate dean for academic and student affairs at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, has supervised many students in historical research related to South Carolina history and preservation.
“Dr. Miller's dedication to USC Salkehatchie, our students, community, and her field of study is unmatched. This is an impressive and well-deserved award,” Dean April Cone said. “I am excited that Dr. Miller is being recognized for her work inside and outside of the classroom.”
Since 2006, Miller has been a member of Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society (CCHAPS) and has served as either president or non-voting historian during the 17-year span. She has worked diligently with the organization to restore the Little Library in Walterboro and to preserve the Bedon-Lucas House.
In 2021- 2022 she partnered with George Wingard of the Savannah River Archeological Research Program to produce two films on restored historic buildings on the Salkehatchie campus. "On With the Show: A History of the 100 Years of the Carolina Theatre, Allendale, S.C." and "The Hut: A Legacy of the Works Progress Administration, Allendale, S.C." premiered in the historic Carolina Theatre during the South Carolina Humanities Festival hosted by Allendale County in 2022.
Perhaps her most significant project has been the Pon Pon Chapel of Ease in Colleton County which was established in 1725. Miller has worked to preserve this landmark through research, mentoring students and grant writing. The University of South Carolina has supported this research with two RISE grants, two Magellan grants, a PURE grant and independent study. Additionally, Miller along with Wingard produced an award-winning documentary about Pon Pon which has been viewed at professional conferences, film festivals, and on public television. The film debuted at the Colleton Civic Center in October 2018 in a red-carpet event sponsored by the South Carolina Humanities Council. In 2022, Miller and CCHAPS submitted a funding request to the S.C. State Legislature for the preservation and stabilization of Pon Pon Chapel of Ease. This effort resulted in $1.25 million in funding for Pon Pon.
The medal was presented by Chapter Regent, Jan Ulmer. Other dignitaries present were Deb Gilliam, President of CCHAPS and JoAnne Boone, DAR State Chair for Historic Preservation.