Hi, my name is Evan Bloom, and I'm a Life Scout with Troop 22 in Sleepy Hollow, NY, working toward my Eagle Scout rank. For my Eagle Scout Service Project, I've chosen to restore the Captor's Monument in Tarrytown, a historic landmark that commemorates three local militiamen who captured British spy Major John Andre in 1780, an act that helped foil Benedict Arnold's plot to betray West Point and change the course of the American Revolution.

The monument, located in Patriots Park, is a powerful piece of our community's history, but after more than a century of weathering, it's showing its age. The stone base is stained, discolored, and covered in biological growth, detracting from the dignity this landmark deserves. With our nation's 250th anniversary approaching, now is the perfect time to restore it.

My project will involve cleaning and restoring the stone monument and its surrounding area. I will also be planting flowers and grass around the monument, and installing signage that describes the history surrounding the monument and what it stands for. I will be leading a group of scouts through every step of the process. We will also be using non-toxic biological cleaners, the same stuff used in cemeteries to restore gravestones, so that the monument will be cleaned without damaging it, as well as preserve it for many years without new mold growing.

The Historical Society of the Tarrytowns has generously offered to cover a portion of this project, but we still need your help raising the final funds needed to complete this project. All funds will go directly towards purchasing cleaners, plants, supplies, and the signage. Any extra funds left over will be donated directly to the Historical Society of the Tarrytowns so they can ensure the monument stays clean even after the project is complete.

This monument belongs to our whole community. With your support, we can honor the legacy of the captors and keep the monument beautiful for generations to come.

Thank you for your generosity!

– Evan Bloom, Life Scout, Troop 22, Sleepy Hollow, NY