At Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites, located in Hyde Park, NY we tell very different stories at each of our sites; from The Gilded Age, to the only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, to the only four-term President of the United States. Much like our sites, our staff have very diverse paths that led them to their work. Join us as we highlight #MyParkStory and #OurParkStory.
Meet Chad Rymph, Carpenter
1. Where are you from?
Hyde Park. Chad's Family is the second to settle here after the Stoutenburghs in 1740. The George Rymph house was built in 1769. Chad is a Roosevelt HS graduate. His wife is a teacher who teaches at his old High School. Go FDR President’s!
2. What interested you in the National Park Service?
The short commute and the history of Hyde Park. Also, a co-worker once told him the park Service would be a great job for him!
3. Do you remember the first park you visited?
Vanderbilt Mansion NHS, as he grew up across the street and used to ride his bike through. You might still see him riding his bike with his kids. (photo)
4. What is your background?
For 25 years Chad worked residential construction. He studied Architecture at Dutchess Community College and for 10 years owned his own Custom Carpentry business.
5. What has been your path in the NPS?
Chad did a 2-year term with HACE (Historic Architecture, Conservation and Engineering), and worked on projects at Thomas Edison, Alexander Hamilton, and Jockey Hollow at Morristown. When a tree fell on the Tool House in the Vanderbilt Garden in 2018, he facilitated the architectural drawings for the chimney details. Once this was completed, the job of restoring could proceed. He also did a term position as a carpenter at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS.
6. What is your favorite part of the job?
Chad is proud of the crown molding outside the dining room and smoking room at Springwood, the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the pandemic, Chad worked in the Little Green Room (guest room) and FDR’s office and felt a connection to the history of the house. But he is most proud of the doors at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. (see photo)
7. Any favorite or funny memories of the job?
His favorite part of the job is being trusted and the park having confidence in his work. He knows that visitors will be looking at his work for many years and feels honored to be appreciated. As a kid he was taught “don’t touch" so that these places are preserved for future generations. Now, as an NPS carpenter he gets to touch, (with gloves and booties of course). When he walks around the park, he feels proud of his accomplishments.
8. Do you have any hobbies? Outside of the NPS?
Chad is a Little League Coach, and a plays first base for the New Yorkers, in the Hudson Valley MSBL. He was also 3rd in NY State BMX racing in the 90’s and competed in events for Red Bull.
9.Favorite personal things?
His family, a wife, 2 daughters and a son. Chad loves to listen to Heavy Metal Music, is a Bass guitarist and also loves scuba diving.
Thanks for sharing your #MyParkStory Chad.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service