The Kent-Delord House was built in 1797 and is one of the oldest residences in Plattsburgh. At the dawn of the 19th century, successful merchant and political figure Henry Delord purchased the house with his wife, Betsey. They renovated the home into a two-story federal structure, which appears much the same today as it did during their lifetime.
In the spring/summer of 1814, military activity related to the Battle of Plattsburgh began to increase on Lake Champlain, resulting in the exodus of civilians from the area who were anticipating the dangerous battle. On Sept. 6, members of the British forces commandeered some of the most prominent homes in the area to establish temporary outposts for strategizing and keeping a watchful eye on the American troops.
On Sept. 11, 1814, the Battle of Plattsburgh erupted on land and lake. Fortunately, and somewhat unexpectedly, the American troops were able to thwart the attempts of the British to gain control of Lake Champlain, and by the next day the British had retreated back into Canada. The Delord family home was extremely fortunate not to have sustained much damage during the foreigners' encampment.
Throughout the years that followed, family members and their household servants resided at the home, but the final member of the Delord bloodline to live there was Henry's granddaughter, Frances "Fanny" Hall. Fanny had inherited a great deal of wealth from her family and became a self-taught nurse/doctor, administering to the needs of the poor and elderly in the community. She even formulated and marketed her own skin ointment , Fanoline, throughout the northern states. It was an herbal remedy said to cure a variety of illnesses and ailments. Fanny lived out her adult life in Plattsburgh, passing on in 1913.
For more than a century, the Delord family played an integral role in the shaping of Plattsburgh's political and social foundations helping to ensure its future success. In 1924, philanthropist William H. Miner purchased the home and established it as a historical museum. The museum collection includes well-preserved Delord family treasures, such as antique furniture, elegant oil paintings, period books, domestic objects and other personal possessions.
Visitors are welcome to schedule a tour of the museum, which opens March 1 each year. After May 1, the museum is open for walk-ins. Hours are Tuesday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment.
Admission charges are: adults, $5; students, $3; and children under 12, $2.
The museum is closed to the public from Dec. 24 through Feb. 28.
As a non-profit organization, this attraction heavily relies on the contributions of its patrons and members. To find out more about how you can visit or support the Kent-Delord House Museum, please visit the Web site or contact them at the address/phone listed below.
http://www.kentdelordhouse.org
Kent Delord House Museum
17 Cumberland Ave.
Plattsburgh, NY, 12901
Phone: (518) 561-1035
Fax: (518) 562-1893