FAQ

What is the Restore the Star Committee?

The Restore the Star Committee is an ad hoc informal collaboration between a group of local residents who not only want the star restored, but believe the effort to advocate for its restoration can be a unifying endeavor for our community.

The committee includes Milford Borough Council members and Lions Club members Maria Farrell and Pete Cooney, Rotary Club members Candace Mahala and Shaun Burger, landscape architect William Collins, civic activists Fred Weber and Tamara Chant and both Milford’s current and former mayors, Doug Jacobs and Sean Strub.

To become involved, please sign up at our website www.restorethestar.org.

Is there a presentation?

Yes, we've created a short presentation to summarize our mission, members, and some other information. View it here.

Is the report the NPS created about the Star available?

Yes, we requested it and it's available here.

Why Restore the Star?

For nearly a century, the illuminated star on the Milford Knob was a symbol of hope, unity and community pride. In recent decades, its maintenance and management was overseen by the Milford Lions Club.

We believe the National Park Service (NPS) made a mistake when they removed it a few years ago and are working to convince them to allow it to be reinstalled.

What is the strategy?

Our effort is to build a broad-based community coalition of residents, property and business owners, governmental, political and civic leaders to join the Restore the Star advocacy, starting with adding their names and organizations to our sign-on letter.

We have reached out to Congressman Rob Bresnahan to enlist his support to convince the NPS the star is an important historical and cultural resource for our community and should be restored to the Knob.

The proposed restoration and ongoing maintenance of the star would be funded by private donors, not the federal government.

How will the star be powered?

In the past, an electric cable was run up the front of the Knob, just laying on the ground. That presents safety issues. Our plan is to install a solar generator at the top of the Knob to power the star.

Will the actual structure be new or restored from the old star structure?

The pylons and frame of the old star have been preserved and as much of the original structure as possible will be used. New solar power and the lighting will be installed, with the intention to have a similar brightness, color temperature, and hue as in the past.

Security concerns and potential engineering or structural requirements required by the NPS are under review.

Where will the funds come from to restore the Star?

We expect to raise funds from a wide variety of sources, including from local businesses and residents, as well as other grant opportunities available through public and private foundations and local governmental bodies.

The Restore the Star Fund at the Greater Pike Community Foundation has been opened to raise funds for the restoration of the star including the solar power, lighting, and maintenance of the star. Donations to the Restore the Star Fund are 100% tax-deductible.

When would the star be lit?

The star was traditionally illuminated during the winter holiday season, although it had been illuminated on other important occasions, including in July of 1976 for the US Bicentennial and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The parameters for when and for how long the star will be lit will be determined in consultation with the NPS.

Why not advocate for the return of the cross as well?

The star that was lit for nearly 100 years is a universal symbol—representing guidance, hope, and community spirit--as well as used in various faith traditions. It is broadly inclusive and can be embraced by residents of all backgrounds and beliefs.

The illuminated cross is an explicitly religious symbol and a relatively newer addition (it was only added in the 1950s). The Restore the Star Committee is focused on the star, rather than wading into the complicated issues involving religious symbols on federal property.