News from Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters
A Great Day!
Despite torrential rains the day before, our Colonial Day was a great success, drawing more than 200 visitors. Over 50 children and their parents followed our scavenger hunt, learning first-hand about the history of the American Revolution. They saw the replica of George Washington’s tent and met historic interpreters from Philadelphia’s acclaimed Museum of the American Revolution, along with General Rochambeau, Ben Franklin, re-enactors of the 5th NY Regiment and Hearts of Oak, a blacksmith, doctor, spinner, broom maker, and, of course, General George Washington. They also watched our video about Westchester’s Philipsburg Encampment and visited our mini-museum for more hands-on experience. Parents even told us that they had learned more than what they were taught in school when they were young!
Thanks to the Greenburgh Town Parks Department, the historic Geisman Barn at Hartsbrook Park was transformed into a beautiful space for the children’s table, the broom maker, the wool spinner and our mini-museum. We so appreciate their help and professionalism.
We are grateful that so many elected officials joined us during the day. Thank you to the Honorable Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Leader of New York State Senate; George Latimer, Westchester County Executive; Mary Jane Shimsky, New York State Assemblymember; David Imamura, Westchester County Legislator; Paul Finer, Greenburgh Town Supervisor; Greenburgh Town Council members Ellen Hendrickx, Gina Jackson, Ken Jones, and Francis Sheehan. Your continued support of the work to create a first-class museum at Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters is immeasurable.
Cultural Landscape Plan
Susan Jainchill and her firm, Aspect 120, have completed the Cultural Landscape Plan. It has been submitted to the Town Board for their review. The Town will schedule a hearing for a presentation of the plan by Susan Jainchill, to which the public will be invited.
Restoration Progress
The second phase of restoration has begun. After a competitive RPF (request for proposal) was issued by the Town, the contract has now been signed with Abbott and Price, the lowest bidder. This phase will cover a great deal of work. The exterior shingles of the 18th-century sections of the house will be replaced. The windows will either be restored or replaced with period-appropriate windows. The missing north addition, that faces away from the street, will be rebuilt to accommodate bathrooms and storage. The temporary shoring inside the building will be replaced with a permanent infrastructure. In the photo below you will see how deteriorated the structure was and how close the building came to collapse! The interior of the 1855 stone wing will be restored and useable first for events. All this work is scheduled to be completed within 10 months from the time the materials arrive—and they are on order now.
Interior Renovation and Creation of Museum Exhibits
While phase two work is underway, the plans for the interior spaces are begin prepared by Steve Tilly and Associates, architects (STA). This includes careful studies of original paint colors and finishes. The Friends are working closely with the Town and STA on plans for how the interior of OHRH will be used. Which areas will contain exhibits open to the public? Where will offices and storage space be located? Can some space be flexible so events can be held there?
The Friends are creating an academic advisory group to help us tell the many exciting stories the households. From 1732 when the first section was built to 1990 when the last Odell passed away, the house is a microcosm of life in Westchester from 18th-century tenant farms, through the Revolutionary War to today’s suburbia. We are also interviewing museum design consultants to advise us how to create the exhibits. There are many new, exciting, and interactive ways to tell the stories we hope to tell. We will work with the chosen firm to use the newest and best methods available to make our museum an exciting place to visit again and again.
Thank you to all who came to Colonial Day and all who donated to our work. We are so grateful for your enthusiasm and support! It is the fuel that keeps us moving!