On March 1, 1989, Glenn Miller's daughter, Jonnie Dee Miller, purchased the home where her father was born 85 years earlier. Following the purchase of the home, the Glenn Miller Foundation was formed to oversee the home's restoration.

At that time, very little was known about the house as it existed in 1904. Luckily, news of the purchase was picked up by the Associated Press and appeared in newspapers around the world. As a result of this publicity, letters were sent to Clarinda from as far away as Russia and Japan. One letter from Bob Watson of Salem, Oregon, proved to be very valuable. His parents had purchased the house from the Miller's in 1907 and he knew a great deal about the site. As a result of this letter, several photographs of the house were received from the Watson family.

In March of 1991, the major restoration project was begun. A 1912 addition to the home was removed and the original roof line was restored. The two main rooms of the house had the original floors and many of the lathe and plaster walls remained. By carefully observing small clues, the missing details were restored so that the house is now back to its original style as in 1904. Furnishings of the era and many family photographs give visitors a feeling for the early life of the Miller family.  Memorabilia displayed in the home includes a piano owned by Glenn and Helen along with a photo showing Glenn sitting at the piano working on a music score. Other things displayed include a copy of the first gold record ever awarded for Chattanooga Choo Choo, photos from Glenn’s two movies, Orchestra Wives and Sun Valley Serenade, plus photos of the Glenn Miller Story staring James Stewart and June Allyson.  Many other personal items are displayed which make the home an important place for all who love Glenn Miller and his music.

It is the goal of the Glenn Miller Foundation to improve and maintain the home so that it can be enjoyed by visitors from around the world.  If you would like to help in this effort, you may make tax deductible donations to: Glenn Miller Foundation, 122 West Garfield, Clarinda, Iowa 51632 U.S.A. Phone: 712-542-2461 or E-mail the Glenn Miller Foundation at marvn@mchsi.com.