The OASI group have been active in Antarctica since 1986: from the pioneering period, though the 2.62 m mm telescope activity at Terra Nova Bay to the first observing campaigns at Dome C. The group activity significantely contributed to the development of mm Italian Antarctic astronomy, acting as a pathfinder for present success and future development. The overall italian activity is characterised by interesting scientific results, obtained even when adequate funding was not available. The historical evolution of the italian mm activities in Antarctica will be illustrated and the perspective for future experiments will be reported.