We Need Your Support!

Dear Friends,
We are happy to report that after a very professional job of shoring by Abbott and Price Construction, the Odell House is now safely stabilized. On to the next level of our campaign!

The next step is the creation of the architect’s plan to restore the structure, bringing it back to life. We are envisioning Odell House as a 21st Century interactive museum, educating and entertaining visitors and preserving our proud history. The architect chosen for this important mission is Stephen Tilly, a well-known historic architect who has worked on many other historic projects in Westchester and also created the plans for the shoring work. His work is in progress.

While the design stage is underway, the Friends have many other projects in the works. All the documents moved to the Westchester County Historical Society are now being cataloged by two wonderful graduate students. This winter we moved hundreds of pieces of furniture, fabrics and artifacts into secure, climate-controlled storage units. They will be inventoried soon. And now, we have two major research studies in their beginning stages. One will tell the story of slavery and Odell and the other will create an exhibit for elementary school teachers to tell the story of the 1781 Encampment. Whew!

The next major need is to commission a full site plan for the grounds of the museum as soon as possible. 

Here is where we really need your help.
The funding that the Town has been given by NY State covers only the physical restoration of the house. Along with the other work we are coordinating, the Town has asked us to raise the money to pay for a landscape architect specializing in historic museums to execute a plan for the grounds of the house. Think Colonial garden, outdoor classrooms and more!

That’s why your support is more important than ever. Your generous donations and support have been wonderful and allowed us to continue this important work of keeping our history alive—now and for our future generations. 

Donate today
We ask that you make a donation now by going to the donations page here. You will see a button to donate by PayPal or credit card and our mailing address to donate by check.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Susan Seal, President
Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters