State historical marker unveiled at Queen Miller Home in Staunton

STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - A new historical marker was unveiled Saturday, May 30, in Staunton, recognizing the legacy of the Queen Miller Home.

Preservation Virginia released its annual list of the Commonwealth’s most endangered historic places, and on Friday, local leaders and community members gathered for the announcement. The recognition carried into the weekend, as residents came together in the Queen City to mark another milestone for the Queen Miller Home and the efforts to preserve it.

The celebration continued over the weekend, as a ceremony was held to honor the history of the site, where more than 300 African American children were cared for between 1910 and 1950, as well as the people working to ensure that the story is not forgotten.

Moonyene Jackson, founder of the Friends of Miller Jackson Institute for Historic Preservation and Education, opened the ceremony by reflecting on her family’s connection to the property.

“We are gathered here ... to honor this sacred land where my grandparents reared over 300 children,” Jackson said. “And also to recognize the wonderful work my grandparents did.”

Several guest speakers addressed the crowd, including community supporters, project partners and descendants of the Miller family.

Dr. Jennifer Loux, manager of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources Highway Marker Program, said the marker will help share that history with the public.

“On behalf of the Department of Historic Resources, we’re proud to present this new marker, which will inform all who pass by about the history and legacy of Queen Miller’s home,” Loux said.

Loux also read a letter from Gov. Abigail Spanberger congratulating organizers on the unveiling.

The event included poetry readings, music and singing, and a libation ceremony led by Dr. Mwizenge Tembo.

Jackson, also a granddaughter of Queen Miller and William Ashby Miller, said preserving the home’s story remains important—especially to clarify what it meant to the children who lived there.

“I think it’s so important that people understand that it wasn’t what you think of—what the general public thinks of—as an orphanage. It was a home,” Jackson said. “It was a true place where people could say, ‘This is mine. This is my home. I never have to leave it.’ And they didn’t.”

Jackson said the unveiling was made possible through years of community support.

“So many people have taken on the mantle of helping us to do this. I couldn’t do it alone, and I couldn’t just do it with one person,” she said.

Organizers said they also hoped the ceremony would leave people with a message of unity.

“One of my favorite phrases—‘El pueblo unido jamás será vencido.’ The people united will never be defeated,” said Silvia Antonia Brandon Perez with the Friends of Miller Jackson Institute for Historic Preservation and Education. “That’s what this is all about.”

The ceremony concluded with reflections on the home’s history and the unveiling of the marker.

“The purpose was twofold: one, to dedicate this marker that we see here in honor of the Hayes Memorial and Orphan Home,” Jackson said. “This is dedicated to the land, but it’s also dedicated to the human spirit of giving and of loving, of nurturing.”

The marker is located in front of the home at 2624 W. Beverley Street in Staunton (24401).