Thomas Paine Cottage

Damaged by Hurricane Ida floods

On September 1, a severe flash flood from tropical storm Ida caused a sudden rise of the Stephenson Brook to four feet over its banks, surrounding the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum with rushing water.

While artifacts were safe, the basement of the Cottage was flooded, and floors suffered substantial damage. A small wooden bridge over the creek was destroyed as well as critical maintenance equipment. Rocks from the stone walls along the creek were displaced. Repair work is also needed on the flood-related damage to the Sophia Brewster one-room schoolhouse located on the Cottage grounds.

The Huguenot and New Rochelle Historical Association, owner of the Cottage Museum, is seeking private donations and government assistance to assist with repairs to the Cottage and grounds. For donations to address these immediate needs, visit the Facebook fundraiser: https://www.facebook.com/thomaspainecottage/posts/4671786922832881

The rise was about 9 feet over the low trickle that is usual in the Stephenson Brook, which carries water down from Paine Heights and underground to the Long Island Sound.