1937 |
Eugene O’Neill and wife Carlotta move into
Tao House. |
1944 |
Tao House is sold to a private buyer. |
1965 |
Attempted sale of Tao House and the expanded area around
it known as Corduroy Hills Ranch is prevented and the property
remains in litigation, reverting to original
owner. |
1968 |
The Eugene O’Neill National Monument Association formed.
Bill introduced by Rep. Jerome Waldie (Dem, Ca.) in the 90th
Congress calling for the establishment of the Eugene O’Neill
National Monument. Not passed. |
1969 |
Waldie introduces a new bill calling for establishment of
the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site and Las Trampas
Ridge National Park. Not passed. |
1970 |
Senator Alan Cranston (Dem, Ca.) introduces a companion bill
in the U.S. Senate of the 91st Congress. Not passed. California
Historical Landmarks Commission recommends nomination of Tao
House to the National Register of Historic Places, and it is
done. |
1971 |
Tao House included in the list of U.S. landmarks. |
1974 |
East Bay Regional Park District purchases 1018 acres of Corduroy
Hills Ranch and approved an 18-month purchase option on a 14-acre
parcel including Tao House to give more time in preservation
efforts. 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. |
1975 |
Contra County Board of Supervisors vote to support the Foundation
in its intent to purchase Tao House. HR9126 is introduced by
Congressman George Miller (Dem, Ca) in the 94th Congress calling
for the establishment of the Eugene O’Neill National Historic
Site. SB2398 is introduced by Senator Alan Cranston (Dem, Ca.)
calling for Tao House and 14 acres to be established as the
Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site. |
1976 |
The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House, takes title
to Tao House, subject to a deed of trust due in January 1978.
SB2398 passes the U.S. Senate. Assemblyman Daniel Boatwright
introduces an urgency AB4539, providing for the purchase of
Tao House with Collier Park Preservation Funds by the State
of California. It is signed into law in Sacramento. Public Law
94-539 (Miller, Ca.) passes the House of Representatives. President
Gerald Ford signs SB2398 establishing the Eugene O’Neill
National Historic Site into law. |
1977 |
First of a series of public hearings directed by the National
Park Service for purpose of creating a General Management Plan
for Tao House are held. Moon for the Misbegotten performed outside
the old barn. |
1978 |
Second public hearing for Management Plan held by the Park
Service. Eugene O’Neill Foundation board of directors
approves Interim Agreement with National Park Service pending
resolution of access. |
1979 |
Contra Costa County zoning administrator has public hearing
concerning availability of access roads to Tao House. San Ramon
and Rossmoor Auxiliaries established. |
1980 |
The National Park Service signs an Interim Agreement. Agreement
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. AB1953 (Boatwright) is signed into
law by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. The bill transferred ownership
of Tao House from the State of California to the federal government.
The NPS decision of access road is again postponed. A reception
to honor Assemblyman Boatwright and Congressman Miller is held
at Tao House. |
1981 |
The Institute for Environmental Mediation, a non-profit group
based in Seattle, WA sends a mediator to resolve access problem. |
1982 |
Work begins on restoration of Eugene O’Neill’s
study, dressing room and bedroom. Funds are raised by the Foundation,
with work implemented by the NPS. The third public hearing is
called by the NPS for discussion of the General Plan. The council
members of the newly formed Town of Danville appoint eleven-member
advisory committee to study proposed access routes and make
recommendation. The advisory committee then suspends weekly
meetings until more engineering studies by the NPS are complete. |
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. |
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. |
1985 |
Tao House opens to the public, with a celebration; Helen
Hayes is guest of honor. |
1986 |
A Grant from the Skaggs Foundation will provide for furnishing
Tao House. |
1988 |
O’Neill Centennial Celebrated. |
1989 |
First Tao House Award given to Jason Robards. |
1991 |
First Open Gate award given to Thalia Brewer. Student Days
at Tao House program inaugurated. |
1992 |
Module for research library and O’Neill collection
moved on site. |
1993 |
First Superintendent Craig Dorman leaves Tao House, Glenn
Fuller appointed new Superintendent. |
1994 |
International Conference of Scholars held at Tao House. |
1995 |
Settlement of Tao House Access Court Case. Live theater returns
to Tao House. The research library is opened. |
1996 |
Playwrights’ Theatre series premieres. |
1997 |
Artist at Tao House program inaugurated. |
1998 |
The Bogard Reading Room opens. The Bay Area Scholars Consortium
is established. |
2000 |
First Eugene O’Neill Festival held in Danville and
Tao House. |
2001 |
Moon for the Misbegotten performed in the Old Barn. |
2002 |
Beyond the Horizon performed in the Old Barn. |
2003 |
The Volunteer and Artistic Awards presented for the first
time. Rhythms of His Soul, an original cabaret production of
the O’Neill Songbook premieres. The Visiting Artist Program
is established. |
2004 |
O’Neill in Danville commemoration project approved
by Board and Town of Danville. New Girl in Town plays
at The Village Theater. |
