Statement of Significance (as of designation - May 30, 1974):
For most of his professional life, this small two-room frame structure was the law office of Joshua Reed Giddings (1785-1864), abolitionist and Congressman (1838-1859). While in Congress, his unwavering objective was the elimination of slavery by every conceivable political measure--non-extension of slavery to the territories, abolition of the slave trade, even the use of the President's war powers to emancipate the slaves.

Condition:
The ceiling has water damage and is sagging in one corner and is scheduled to be repaired when the roof is replaced in August 2006. Painting of the exterior should occurring before the end of 2007. The great threat to this site is the encroachment by a neighboring business. The auto repair and detailing shop next door has a driveway that is directly adjacent to the law office building. New occupants of the body shop use the adjacent rear property and driveway of the law office for painting cars, parking and exiting their business. Talks and survey to accurately establish property lines, and calls to local official have not been effective thus far. The Historical society is considering putting up some type of permanent structure such a s a concrete barriers, large quarry rocks. Or raised garden beds to discourage inappropriate uses or trespassing. Money, time and aesthetics are major considerations.

The foundation was replaced with a NPS Challenge Cost Share grant received in 2004. The roof and ceiling are scheduled to be repaired by the end of calendar year 2006.