June 21, 2021 – Stony Brook, NY: The Ward Melville Heritage Organization has received $40,473 in grants to restore the roof at the Thompson House (c.1709) in Setauket, New York. This roof restoration was made possible through grants from the Robert David Lion Gardiner, and the Anna Smith Strong Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. These grants will enable the more than 300 year-old building to be structurally sound, as well as ready for a new program this Spring. For more information about the WMHO, its mission and programs, please visit www.wmho.org or contact 631-751-2244.
As a staple of educational experience in the Three Village area, the Thompson House (c.1709)’s roof restoration was a necessary to continue to share its historical and medical importance to the community. With a rich history that already included the stories of patriots, plagues and medicine, some new information was recently found out about the Thompson House. A new spring program will include stories about a visit from President Tyler and his wife, Julia Gardiner; correspondence between Benjamin F. Thompson and President Thomas Jefferson; and George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring.
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation (RDLGF) is one of the most prestigious foundations in the country. Established in 1987, the foundation primarily supports the study of New York State history, with an emphasis on Suffolk County. They contributed a matching grant of $30,625 to make this restoration possible. To learn more about the Gardiner Foundation, please visit www.rdlgfoundation.org.
The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is an organization with a deeply rich history while also being truly relevant in today’s world. The Anna Smith Strong Chapter was named for a courageous member of the celebrated Culper Spy Ring, based in Setauket, Long Island, New York, during the American Revolution. The DAR awarded only two grants in the State of New York, one of which was their $9,848 (one of the highest grant amounts they have ever given) contribution to making this restoration at the Thompson House possible. To learn more about the Daughters of the American Revolution, please visit https://www.dar.org/.
