When the Foundation took the title to Tao House in 1976, the down payment was largely enabled by funds raised through efforts like Jason Robards Jr. and Jack Dodson. They performed O'Neill's Hughie in the courtyard of Tao House to fundraise for the cause. Enjoy these audio clips, which celebrate and recognize Foundation founders, builders, and more below. View our historical timeline here
FOUNDERS
PURCHASING TAO HOUSE
National Park Service Ranger Hilary Grabowska reads founder Lois Sizoo’s memory of purchasing Tao House
PRESIDENT FORD
Ranger Matthew Bayless reads Ford’s statement, establishing Tao House as home for the performing arts
THALIA BREWER
Founder Thalia Brewer and her son Bill's recollections of saving Tao House, shared by Teresa Morley
DR FEILER
Ron Sacchi shares recollections of O’Neill’s doctor and friend at Tao House
builDERS
CARLOTTA MEETS O'NEILL
Jessica Freels shares Travis Bogard’s insights on Carlotta
CRAIG DORMAN
Wendy Cooper reflects on the first NPS superintendent
FIRST FESTIVAL
Wendy Cooper remembers the inaugural O'Neill Festival
HEPBURN'S APPEAL
Tessa Auberjonois reads Katharine Hepburn's letter to Gumps
O'NEILL'S BED
Florence McAuley remembers getting creative to install O'Neill's bed
READING ROOM NAMING
Carole Wynstra shares Travis Bogard Reading Room naming
COMMEMORATIVE PARK
Tom Donohoe recalls design selection for O'Neill's Commemorative Park
"THE HAIRY APE" IN THE COURTYARD
Mark Jordan shares Travis Bogard’s insights on an early production Fundraiser
EARLY VISITORS
Mark Jordan shares Travis Bogard’s telling of early visitors to Tao House
UNFORGETTABLE "MOON"
Mark Jordan shares Travis Bogard’s story of an unforgettable production
BRINGING ARTISTS TO TAO HOUSE
Mark Jordan shares Travis Bogard’s vision of artists at Tao House
SCHOLAR RESEARCH LIBRARY
Mark Jordan shares Travis Bogard’s role in building the research library
HELEN HAYES ON O'NEILL
Jessica Freels recounts Helen Hayes’ talk at the 1985 celebration of opening Tao House to the public
PANDEMIC PIVOT
Ali Clarke recalls ways the Foundation pivoted and went virtual during the pandemic years
EARLY BOARD MEETING
Linda Best brings us into an important early board discussion on the future of the Foundation
HEPBURN'S VISIT
Linda Best recalls Katharine Hepburn’s visit and ideas for the Foundation
partners
SUPERINTENDENT REFELCTIONS
Tom Leatherman reflects on his thirteen years as Superintendent
AIR LAUNCH
Tom Leatherman recalls launching the Artist in Residence program
OLD BARN THEATER UPGRADES
Tom Leatherman remembers upgrades to the Old Barn Theater space
STUDENT PROGRAMS
Tom Leatherman shares special student program memories
FESTIVAL REFLECTIONS
Tom Leatherman describes the expansion and growth of the Festival over the years
TAO HOUSE INSPIRES
Scholar Dave King reflects on his Artist in Residence experience
O'NEILL-INSPIRED POETRY
Poet Kate Moore recites her poem "O’Neill", inspired by Tao House
PLAYWRIGHTS THEATER
Beverly Lane recalls performances at Tao House along with the elements!
O'NEILL FAMILY LORE
Actor Josiah Polhemus recounts acting at Tao House and O’Neill family stories
patrons
SECOND GEN SUPPORTERS
Malcom Scott shares his parents' recollections through the early years
O'NEILL'S STUDY
Craig Carnathan reflects on the special experience visiting O'Neill's study
THE RED DOOR
Ron Rigge shares his recollection of taking “The Red Door” photograph
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