An Opportunity Not to Be Missed

Some people revel in the chance simply to visit the Dr. Oliver Bronson House and view the architectural treasure on the grounds of the Hudson Correctional Facility. Others wonder how many times they will be called upon to celebrate the fact the beloved ruin now has windows and the roof doesn't leak. For the former and the latter, this coming Saturday will be an experience to remember.

On Saturday, November 14, the house will be available for visitation from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event, which is free and open to all, is an opportunity to see the stabilization and restoration work that has been going on this summer and to learn what the archaeological investigation has revealed about the original configuration of the grounds immediately around the house.

The restoration has progressed to the point where it is time to think about paint colors. An extensive paint analysis was just completed, which reveals the colors the house was painted at different periods in its history. Peter Watson, author of the Dr. Oliver Bronson House Daybook blog and an authority on the work of A. J. Davis, will be on hand on Saturday to discuss the findings. Copies of the extensive and intriguing paint analysis report, Selective Exterior Finish Color Investigation, will be at the house for review.

The archaeological investigation has in the past week uncovered vital clues to the original design of the grounds around the entrance to the cellar kitchen on the south facade. Matt Kirk from the archaeological firm Hartgen Associates will be at the Bronson House on Saturday to talk about what the archaeological investigations have so far discovered. On Saturday, for the first time in most people's experience, it will be possible to walk all the way around the house.

The current project at the Bronson House, which will be completed in June 2016, is funded by a $400,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Fund. Historic Hudson's match for this grant is $100,000. A month ago, $75,000 still had to be raised for the match. Today, only $33,000 remains to be raised. You can help support this exciting project to restore Hudson's only National Historic Landmark. Click here to make a donation.

Support for the restoration of the Dr. Oliver Bronson House has come from New York State's Environmental Protection Fund, the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation, the John E. Streb Fund for New York of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Gerry Charitable Trust, the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, and the Ettinger Foundation.

The Dr. Oliver Bronson House is located on the grounds of the Hudson Correctional Facility. Enter the grounds through the entrance on Worth Avenue and follow the signs to the house.
COPYRIGHT 2015 CAROLE OSTERINK