History of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House

Thalia Brewer, Darlene Blair, and Lois Sizoo formed the Eugene O’Neill National Monument Association in 1968 in order to save Tao House. In 1974, the Foundation was formed as a non-profit to raise funds to buy Tao House. The Foundation held several successful fundraisers involving performances of Eugene O’Neill’s play Hughie by the late Jason Robards Jr. and Jack Dodson and a downpayment was made on the house. Through the help of lawmakers such as Senator Alan Cranston and Congressman George Miller, the house was donated to the government and eventually, funds were secured to provide restoration and maintenance of Tao House.

In 1985, Tao House was opened to the public.

The National Parks Service works to maintain the house and grounds and provides tours of the home. The Foundation works to provide educational and artistic opportunities for people of all ages.

The History of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation | Tao House
The History of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation | Tao House

1968

The Eugene O’Neill National Monument Association formed by Thalia Brewer, Darlene Blair, and Los Sizoo.

1968

1971

Tao House placed on the list of U.S. National Historic Landmarks.

1971

1974

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, is organized and incorporated as a non-profit organization to raise the funds for the Tao House purchase.

1974

1975

Jason Robards and Jack Dodson star in O’Neill’s Hughie at UC Berkeley to benefit efforts to preserve Tao House.

1975

1976

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, takes title to Tao House, subject to a deed of trust due in January 1978. Cranston’s bill passes the U.S. Senate. State Assemblyman Daniel Boatwright introduces urgent legislation providing for the purchase of Tao House with Collier Park Preservation Funds by the State of California. It is signed into law.

1976

1977

A Moon for the Misbegotten performed outside the old barn.

1977

1980

The National Park Service signs an Interim Agreement which stipulates that the NPS is responsible for building and grounds operation, maintenance, restoration, and public interpretive programming, while the Eugene O’Neill Foundation is responsible for artistic programming.

1980

1980

Ownership of Tao House is transferred from the State of California to the federal government.

1980

1982

With funds raised by the Foundation, NPS begins restoration of Eugene O’Neill’s study, dressing room, and bedroom.

1982

1983

With funding from the San Francisco Foundation, the Eugene O’Neill Foundation board of directors hires a planning consultant to assist with creating a five-year plan. The board approves the hiring of a part-time executive director.

1983

1984

The NPS announces an agreement reached with residents allowing limited daily public access to Tao House. This is an interim agreement pending resolution of final access road.

1984

1985

Tao House opens to the public, with a celebration; Helen Hayes is guest of honor.

1985

1989

First Tao House Award presented to Jason Robards.

1989

1991

Student Days at Tao House is established.

1991

1996

Playwrights’ Theatre program established initiated by Prof. Travis Bogard to enable staged reading of O’Neill’s early plays, and the works of playwrights O’Neill influenced.

1996

1998

Foundation Library renamed “Travis Bogard Reading Room.”

1998

1999

First Annual Eugene O’Neill Festival held in Danville.

1999

2002

Major structural and seismic retrofitting of Tao House by NPS.

2002

2005

Dedication of the O’Neill Commemorative in Danville’s Front Street Park, designed by artist Michael Manwaring.

2005

2008

O’Neill Studio Retreat initiated for emerging high school writers and actors.

2008

2014

Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House celebrates its 40th Anniversary; Travis Bogard Artist in Residence program is initiated.

2014

2016

The National Park and Eugene O’Neill Foundation celebrate Twin Centennials, commemorating the 100th anniversary of both the Park Service’s founding and the first production of an O’Neill play, Bound East for Cardiff, produced by the Provincetown Players in 1916.

2016