Videos

Saving a National Treasure: The Story of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters

In the summer of 1781, after spying on the British troops in Manhattan for six weeks, General Washington and General Rochambeau made a critical decision. They would not attack the British in New York but instead would take their troops across the Hudson River and march to Yorktown, Virginia to confront General Cornwallis’ army in the South. That decision changed the war and it happened at Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters.

In the spring of 2020 the Town of Greenburgh, NY, at the urging and leadership of Susan Seal, took possession of Odell House to save it from collapse. Amazingly, this house, listed on the National Register, retains most of its original details and it is now in the process of restoration. By 2026, in time for the 250th commemoration of the Declaration of Independence, it will be open to the public as a museum.

This presentation was recorded Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Fraunces Tavern Museum. The event was sponsored by the Manhattan Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

Westchester's Philipsburg Encampment of 1781

Did you know that in 1781 something happened in Westchester County that changed the history of the United States? This short film is the story of the Philipsburg Encampment—the gathering of American and French Armies that happened in the Town of Greenburgh (between present-day Ardsley and Hartsdale) in July of 1781—and a crucial decision that was made at Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters in Hartsdale.

This video was made by the Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters with a generous matching grant from The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, in cooperation with the North Castle Historical Society, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, and Milkbox Studios. Written and directed by OHRH board member Chris Rubeo.

The Amazing Story of Odell House in the Revolutionary War

The Friends of Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters (OHRH) was created to provide assistance to the Town of Greenburgh in its efforts to preserve and restore the National Register Property, Odell House, located at 425 Ridge Road, Hartsdale, New York.

We are working with the Town to obtain the funding so that we can educate present and future generations about the critical role this house played in our nation’s successful struggle for freedom during the Revolutionary War. Click here to donate.

Dear France, Thank You

Without the help of the great nation of France, the United States of America would simply not exist. This film is our tribute to the French-American alliance during the Revolutionary War, the crucial decision that was made at the Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters, and the lasting friendship between the French and American people.

This video was produced by Board of OHRH members Andrew Bordwin, Chris Rubeo and David Seal, with the help of a talented young crew.

A version of this video with French subtitles is available here.