News for the New Year
Archeological study dig at the Bradt-Oliver stone house in Bethlehem, New York
Consultant chosen for first phase of landscape planning
After discussions with NY State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Board of OHRH decided that we should begin our landscaping plan with an archeological study of the grounds. To design outdoor spaces, we need to know more about the early days of the property. From John Tompkins’ days in 1732—“surrounded by friendly Indians”—to 1781 when the house served as General Rochambeau’s residence to the period of John Odell’s ownership, there are many things we could learn. We may find Native American artifacts, French regimental buttons, or even French wine bottles. From 1800 to 1820 the census listed enslaved people on the Odell farm. Where did they live? Are there remnants of their living quarters and daily lives? The contract for this study is now being prepared by Town of Greenburgh attorneys and, thanks to your donations, the Friends will provide the funding. Work will begin as soon as the weather allows.
Our vision for a 21st century museum
The firm of Steve Tilly and Associates is working on the final plan for the physical restoration of the building. The first step is a new roof and the restoration or replacement of windows and doors. But how will each of the 10 rooms be used after the house is restored? What stories will each be able to tell? What infrastructure is needed for modern audio-visual exhibits? The Boards of OHRH and the Town of Greenburgh recently held a joint meeting to discuss our vision for creating a state-of-the-art museum. The Friends are reaching out to museum planning firms to discuss a master plan for the OHRH site.
ONGOING PROJECTS
Ann Kilbourne, Vaneska Pasqua and Sandy Morrisey setting up exhibit at Greenville School
1781 Exhibit
The 1781 committee continues to work on an audio-visual exhibit about the French encampment and life in Westchester during the Revolutionary War. In the meantime, our “pop-up museum” of informational posters and artifacts has been moved from the Greenburgh Public Library, where many patrons enjoyed it, to the Greenville Elementary School. The teachers and librarians will incorporate it into their curriculum for the next 6 weeks. If you’d like to have it moved to a space near you, send us an email.
Study of slavery and the Odell Farm
Thanks to County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky we have been awarded funding from Westchester County to hire a professional researcher. Luckily for us, Emily Yankowitz, the PhD candidate at Yale who created the finding aids for Odell family documents now at the Westchester County Historical Society, has agreed to work with us. Through her affiliation with Yale, she has access to many historical resources that our volunteers could not utilize. Other volunteers are studying census data from 1790 to 1850 as well as the effect of the Manumission Laws on enslaved people and their descendants. We hope to have this important report completed by the end of the year.
François Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux, major general in the French expeditionary forces
The French connection
Work continues on all things Rochambeau-related. Historian Norm Desmaris has identified the names and regiment (the Royal Deux Pont) of the four French soldiers who died while camped in Greenburgh. The American Society of Le Souvenir Francais, USA has pledged funding to erect a memorial to these soldiers at OHRH when the grounds are ready. Noted Chastellux scholar Iris De Rode will be visiting New York in March and is eager to see OHRH. She is translating some never-before-seen Chastellux’s letters that might tell us more about the Grand Reconnaissance of New York City from July 21-23, 1781. We will share information when it is available.
Native Americans near OHRH
We are beginning to research the Native American presence in Greenburgh, particularly in the area around OHRH. It is possibile that a large Native American settlement once existed near the Hillard Day Camp, roughly half a mile southeast of OHRH. Still in one of the storage containers on the OHRH property are wooden bowls and other items supposedly originating with the Lenape indigenous people.
This will be a very busy year! We will continue to report on these projects in the coming months.
If you would like to make a donation to support our work, go to the donations page here. You will see a button to donate either by PayPal or credit card, along with our mailing address to donate by check.