Greater Milford Area Historical Society
Photo by Mary Nyktas
Photo courtesy: Mark Birkle
About Us
GREATER MILFORD AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
What is the GMAHS?
The Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS), established in 1967, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Milford and Miami Township, Ohio. Originating as Old Milford Incorporated, the society has grown from its initial small museum setting to occupying the historical Promont mansion, reflecting its commitment to safeguarding the area’s heritage. Through extensive restoration projects, educational initiatives, and community engagement, including a noteworthy partnership with local schools, GMAHS serves as a vital custodian of the region’s past, ensuring its stories and traditions are kept alive for future generations.
Promont Museum (click to expand)
Promont stands as a majestic Victorian mansion built in 1865, rich in history and architectural beauty. Once the residence of John M. Pattison, the 43rd Governor of Ohio, this remarkable home has witnessed over 150 years of the region’s history. Today, Promont serves as a museum under the stewardship of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society, showcasing an array of period furnishings and rotating exhibits that bring the past to life.
Events
How do I become a member?
Are you ready to become a part of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society? Join us today and unlock a world of history, culture, and community. As a member, you’ll have exclusive access to our events, exhibitions, and educational workshops. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories that shaped our past and create lasting memories with friends and family. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of history in the making. Sign up now and reserve your spot for the next event! For more see our membership page here
Upcoming Events:
Things to come:
America 250 Free Open House
10am-4pm
March 28
July 11
September 19
GMAHS Sunday Open Houses
1pm – 4pm
February 15
March 1 and 15
April 19
May 3,17 and 31
June 7 and 21
July 19
August 2,16,and 30
September 6
October 4 and 18
November 1,15, and 29
December 6 and 20
America 250 Event Celebrations
Milford Firsts – Trivia Night
January 23 from 6-8:30pm
Celebrating our Transportation History
March 14
Open Mic: Celebrating our Entertainment History
April 22
More Information to come:
May: Literature Month
June: Homecoming Picnic
July: Celebrating the great outdoors
August: Celebrating Sports and Recreation
November: Celebrating our Heroes
December: Celebrating our Future
Other Events:
Home Tour
Coming in the Spring
Art Affaire
September 26 11am-5pm
Cemetery Walk
Coming in the Fall
History Readers Book Club
(Note Feb 3 has been rescheduled to Feb 10 due to weather)
First Tuesday of every month
7pm-8:30 pm
Board Meetings
Third Monday in January, March,
May, July, September, November
Bridge to the Future Committee Meetings
Third Tuesday of every Month
Victorian Afternoon Teas
On Eventbrite now so secure your seats! Tickets always sell out!
Valentine’s Day Tea
February 7
Mother’s Day Tea
May 9
Holiday Tea
December 12
Come celebrate America 250 with the GMHS at Promont Museum.
🏛️ Organizations Included:
- Bethel Historical Society and Museum
- Chilo Lock #34 – Park & River Museum
- Clermont County Historical Society
- Felicity Historical Society
- Georgetown Historical Society & Museum
- Goshen Historical Society
- Grant Boyhood Home Association
- Grant Schoolhouse
- Greater Milford Area Historical Society & Promont House Museum
- Historic Lyme Village
- Loveland Historical Society & Museum
- Miami Township Historical Society
- Moscow Historical Society & Museum
- New Richmond Historical Society & Museum
- Owensville Historical Society & Museum
- Pierce Township Historical Society
- Stonelick Covered Bridge Society
- Tate Township Historical Society
- Union Township Historical Society
- Washington Township Historical Society
- Williamsburg Historical Society
Donations & Thanks
Our existence is made possible through the kind donations and the invaluable time volunteered by members of our community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations listed below for their exceptional contributions. Together, we all play a vital role in preserving our rich history. If you are inspired to contribute, please consider making a donation.
A Wonderful Art Affaire!
What a beautiful day it was for our annual Art Affaire! The streets of Milford were alive with energy as visitors filled every corner, exploring booths, admiring artwork, listening to our beautiful musicians, and enjoying the vibrant spirit of our community. With hundreds of talented artists sharing their creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship, the event was a true celebration of art and history.
We are deeply grateful to the many, many volunteers who made this event possible. From setup to teardown and everything in between, your time, energy, and dedication made all the difference. Truly, it takes a village—and we are so proud of ours!
Our 2025 Art Affaire Premier Sponsor
Click to learn more about Cullen Electric – a fantastic local business and community supporter!
Our Art Hero and Art Hero Music Sponsors
Click for more about our Art Hero Music Sponsor
Click for more about our wonderful hometown!
Click for more about our Art Hero Music Sponsor
Our Art Lovers & Event Boosters
(click logos for more info)
If you are interested in being a sponsor and supporting the local arts and community please contact us.
If you are an artist or entertainer and would like to volunteer please contact us at: artaffaire@milfordhistory.net
A Wonderful Art Affaire!
What a beautiful day it was for our annual Art Affaire! The streets of Milford were alive with energy as visitors filled every corner, exploring booths, admiring artwork, listening to our beautiful musicians, and enjoying the vibrant spirit of our community. With hundreds of talented artists sharing their creativity, beauty, and craftsmanship, the event was a true celebration of art and history.
We are deeply grateful to the many, many volunteers who made this event possible. From setup to teardown and everything in between, your time, energy, and dedication made all the difference. Truly, it takes a village—and we are so proud of ours!
Our 2025 Art Affaire Premier Sponsor
Click to learn more about our Premier Sponsor
Our Art Hero and Art Hero Music Sponsors
(click logos for more info)
Click for more about our Art Hero Music Sponsor
Click for more about our wonderful hometown!
Click for more about our Art Hero Music Sponsor
Our Art Lovers & Event Boosters
If you are interested in in being a sponsor and supporting the local arts and community please contact us.
Promont & GMAHS
Promont House Museum
Promont stands as a majestic Victorian mansion built in 1865, rich in history and architectural beauty. Once the residence of John M. Pattison, the 43rd Governor of Ohio, this remarkable home has witnessed over 150 years of the region’s history. Today, Promont serves as a museum under the stewardship of the Greater Milford Area Historical Society, showcasing an array of period furnishings and rotating exhibits that bring the past to life.
Remarkably, the structure of Promont remains unaltered from its original construction, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the past. The mansion is renowned for its Italianate architectural style, characterized by a central hall flanked by two connecting rooms on each side, consistent across its four floors. The Italianate influence is further evidenced in its window designs, wide eaves, and decorative quoins that embellish the corners of the house. The mansion also features a recently renovated tower, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Promont’s grounds, originally spanning 56 acres and reaching the historic Five Points intersection, have been a witness to the changing times and various families that have resided within its walls. Beyond its historical and architectural significance, Promont also hosts a reference library and a gift shop, making it a vibrant center for historical exploration and learning in the Milford area.
TAKE A TOUR
Promont is more than a museum, it’s a journey into the past. We offer docent-led tours for a personal and immersive experience.
Public tours of the museum are on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of each month from 1 PM to 4 PM. Tours begin no later than 3 and the museum closes at 4:00.
Public Tour Costs:
· Our docent-led public tours are $8 per person
· Students 13+ $3 per person
· Children 12 and under – free with member or paying adult.
Private tours may be available throughout the week and can be scheduled by contacting us at (513) 248-0324, Monday to Thursday, between 9 AM and 3 PM.
Private Tour Costs:
• $10 per person for 8 or more
• $15 per person for 7 or less
• Children 12 and under – free with member or paying adult.
Tours must be set one week prior to the event.
Private event notice. Promont is often booked for private events and these engagements can overlap with regular open hours. Please check this website or the GMAHS Facebook page for closure notices. Or, call 513/248-0324 (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 3pm).
Teas:
Join us for our upcoming tea events!
EXPLORE OUR HISTORY
Originally known as Beechwood for the numerous beech trees adorning its grounds, this historic mansion was later renamed Promont. The name, derived from Latin, meaning “a prominent mass of land overlooking or projecting into a low land,” was chosen by William George Williams, a professor at Ohio Wesleyan University and the father-in-law of John Pattison.
Promont For Events
Nestled amongst the trees on top of a hill overlooking Milford, Promont is an ideal location for weddings, bridal showers, afternoon teas, corporate meetings, and more. Promont’s Italianate architecture acts as a beautiful backdrop, adding a touch of old-world elegance to any event.
Inside, the vaulted ceilings and intricate woodwork create an intimate ambiance for small gatherings. Out on the grounds, the elegant gazebo and wooded lot will easily accommodate larger events.
With advance notice, we can even provide you with docent-led tours of the museum during the event. Better yet, GMAHS members receive a discount on the house rental fee!
If you’re interested in holding your special event at Promont, contact Kim Phipps, our Event Coordinator, at (859) 409-3504 or promontevents@gmail.com
For more info
Contact us at : promontevents@gmail.com
Facebook : facebook.com/promontevents/
Phone: Event Coordinator Kim Phipps – (859) 409-3504
Visitor Reviews
★★★★★
“Historic Gem. Interesting tour”
“We very much enjoyed our Sunday afternoon guided tour of Promont by a knowledgable Milford Historical Society volunteer. We have been to a number of U.S. homes restored to the Victorian era decor, and found this one to be exceptionally well done with details you don’t always see“
– read review on Trip Advisor
★★★★★
“I hosted a Tea Party Baby Shower here this last weekend and it was an absolute hit! I would recommend this venue a million times over.”
– Laura T. on Yelp
★★★★★
“What a fun experience with a group of friends! This was held at a beautiful historic home near downtown Milford. It was a “low tea” so two people each shared a tray with some savory and sweet treats. The tea was wonderful, especially the cinnamon tea.”
– Katie J. on Yelp March 2023
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