My Park Story: Chad Rymph

Chad Rymph

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?

I have lived my whole life in Hyde Park. My family is actually the second to settle here after the Stoutenburghs in 1740. The George Rymph House was built in 1769.

2. What interested you in the National Park Service?

The short commute - haha! Over my career as a carpenter, I have always enjoyed working on challenging restoration projects and there is certainly no shortage of them in the National Park Service.

Chad Rymph

3. Do you remember the first park you visited?

Vanderbilt Mansion NHS, since I grew up across the street and have been riding my bike there for almost 50 years. I can still be seen riding with my wife and kids. (Photo)


4. What is your background?

I've actually been carrying a hammer since I was about 3 years old. After high school, I studied Architecture at Dutchess Community College and then spent 25 years in the residential construction industry.


5. What has been your path in the NPS?

I did a 2-year term with HACE (Historic Architecture, Conservation and Engineering), where I was based in Hyde Park. I did projects at Springwood and Val-Kill but also traveled to various National Historic Sites. Some of those included the Homes of Thomas Edison and Alexander Hamilton, and Jockey Hollow at Morristown. That work led to a term position as a carpenter at Roosevelt-Vanderbilt NHS, and then a permanent position.

Chad Rymph

6. What is your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is being one of the few people entrusted to work on these historically significant homes. I remember coming here as a kid on school tours and being told, "Don't touch!" It's surreal to be working alone in FDR's Study, where so many decisions about WWII were made. My work is always on display for so many people to see. some of my proudest work is the crown molding outside the dining room and smoking room at Springwood (Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt), and the doors at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site. (Photos)

7. Any favorite or funny memories of the job?

It's always funny when regulars to the parks who have seen me riding my bike through the years do a double-take when they see me in my uniform. It's funny that a long-time coworker told me 20 years ago that the NPS would be a perfect job for me.

Chad Rymph

8. Do you have any hobbies? Outside of the NPS?

I played baseball in high school and college and recently started playing again in the Hudson Valley MSBL. I am also one of the coaches on my son's Little League team. I also enjoy, riding bikes, scuba diving, heavy metal music and playing bass guitar.

9.Favorite personal things?

My family - my wife, 2 daughters and a son.