CARMEL – Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne joined members of the Enoch Crosby Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), at the Historic Courthouse to celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary and announce a contribution toward the restoration of one of the county’s most iconic Revolutionary War monuments.
As part of the celebration, DAR Regent Susan Rebentisch presented a $1,000 donation to support the “Restore Sybil” project, a comprehensive effort to rehabilitate the Sybil Ludington statue overlooking Lake Gleneida.
The bronze equestrian statue, originally unveiled in 1961 and gifted to Putnam County in 1985, honors Sybil Ludington, whose legendary 1777 ride helped rally local militia forces during the Revolutionary War.
“Putnam County is proud to partner with the Daughters of the American Revolution as they mark a century of preserving and promoting our nation’s history,” said County Executive Byrne. “Their generous contribution to the restoration of the Sybil Ludington statue ensures that this powerful symbol of courage and independence will continue to inspire future generations, especially as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.”
The anniversary event included a commemorative gathering and reenactment photo on the courthouse steps, highlighting the DAR’s longstanding role in preserving local and national heritage.
To date, more than $100,000 has been committed to the project, with contributions from Putnam County, New York State Senator Pete Harckham, philanthropist George Whipple, the DAR, and others.
The restoration will include the temporary removal of the statue for specialized conservation work, including surface cleaning, patina restoration, and protective finishing. The statue’s fieldstone pedestal will also undergo inspection and repair by the Putnam County Department of Public Works. Additional site enhancements will include native plantings and landscaping improvements in coordination with Cornell Cooperative Extension, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and the Brewster/Carmel Garden Club.
The statue is expected to be removed following the upcoming 249th anniversary of Ludington’s ride later this month, to complete the restoration in time for the 4th of July.