FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 28, 2004

LARSON ANNOUNCES $150,000 FEDERAL GRANT FOR WEBB-DEANE-STEVENS MUSEUM

WETHERSFIELD- U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1) today announced that the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum has been awarded $150,000 under the National Park Service's "Save America's Treasures" grant program. The museum will use the funding to conduct a major structural overhaul of the Joseph Webb House, built in 1752. Larson was joined in making the announcement by Jennifer Eifrig, Executive Director of the Webb Deane-Stevens museum, and James O'Connell of the National Park Services regional office in Boston.

A structural analysis of the Webb House in 1999 and 2000 found that deficiencies in the original framing of the structure threatened its long-term integrity. A secondary support structure of steel alloy is needed to help carry the weight and deflect damage to interior walls, staircases, and the cellar. This will ensure that the Webb House is able to remain open to the public well into the future.

"The Webb house is an historic American treasure that needs our help now so it can be preserved for generations to come," said Larson. "I am thrilled that this grant has been awarded to assist with the renovation of the house. The Webb-Deane-Stevens museum is a significant local and national landmark and I am proud that action is being taken to save it."

The Webb House gained national prominence as a meeting place between General George Washington and the Comte de Rochambeau in May of 1781, as they planned their attack on Yorktown. The Colonial Dames later added the adjacent properties of the 1766 Silas Deane House and the 1789 Issac Stevens House. The Webb and Deane Houses are designated National Historic Landmarks and the Stevens House is listed on the National Register of Historic places.

Larson wrote a letter to the National Park Service in May urging that the funding be awarded to the museum.

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