The Unforgiving Yardstick – Westchester Women’s Roles and Struggles Through the Art of Fleur Spolidor, Featuring Artifacts from the Rye Historical Collection
Mar
21
to Mar 27

The Unforgiving Yardstick – Westchester Women’s Roles and Struggles Through the Art of Fleur Spolidor, Featuring Artifacts from the Rye Historical Collection

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Exhibition Open: March 21, 2025 - March 27, 2026

The Unforgiving Yardstick exhibition tells the stories of ten women whose lives span over 300 years, from the 1700s through today. One of these ten women is Peg Lyon, whose story is the earliest in the exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into the life of an enslaved woman during the American Revolution—a time when the ideals of liberty and freedom were widely proclaimed but not extended to all.

Admission is free, but support is appreciated through donations or museum membership.
Become a member here: Rye Historical Society Membership

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Painted by Fleur Spolidor
Photographed by Jim Frank
Peg Lyon’s portrait is based on a compilation of several photographs of her descendants, including her 4x great-granddaughter and Rye Historical Society board member, Teresa Vega. Peg was tri-racial, with Munsee Lenape and mixed East and West African ancestry on her maternal side and British ancestry on her paternal side.

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From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties - a Rye Historical Society Trolley Tour & Picnic!
Jul
20
10:30 AM10:30

From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties - a Rye Historical Society Trolley Tour & Picnic!

All aboard for a rollicking ride through Rye's past! Join the Rye Historical Society on July 20, 2025, for a breezy, air-conditioned trolley tour, "From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties" – followed by a delightful picnic!

Picture this: You're cruising in a vintage trolley, past the swanky summer digs of New York’s elite and hearing tales of how the railroad turned sleepy Rye into their playground. We'll get a peek at one of their exclusive clubs and imagine the high times!

Then, hold on to your hats as we trace the old trolley tracks down to the shore, where Rye Beach exploded with fun! Think bustling hotels, summer cottages, massive clam bakes, thrilling amusement parks, and the birth of the iconic Rye Town Park and Playland Park. Get ready for juicy stories and a vibrant look at our historic waterfront!

Recommended for children 10+

Commencing at Nursery Field parking lot (parking available), 421 Milton Rd, Rye, NY, concluding back at the same location. Picnic lunch will be served next door at the Knapp House, 265 Rye Beach Ave, Rye, NY. Folding chairs and blankets will be available for lunch seating.

Please note that Trolley boarding will begin 15 minutes prior to departure. We cannot guarantee large parties will sit together unless they plan to arrive early to secure seats. The Trolley will depart promptly at the scheduled tour time.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE: TROLLEY TOUR 2025

Brought to you by the Rye Historical Society with the generous support of our Sponsors:

All-Aboard Sponsors: Carpet Trends

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A Path Through History - Square House Tours
May
29
11:00 AM11:00

A Path Through History - Square House Tours

Join Rye Historical Society at the Square House on June 14th at 11:00am and 1:00pm, where guests will experience guided tours that bring history to life. Participants will walk the same halls where John and Sam Adams once trod, explore the rooms where George Washington stayed—twice—and stand in the very space where Marquis de Lafayette dined. Learn about Dr. Ebenezer Haviland, a prominent figure in Rye’s history, and his role in organizing a significant meeting at the Square House Tavern on August 10, 1774. Also learn about Tamar Haviland, who managed the inn after her husband's death and hosted George Washington.

$10 Recommended Donation

For more information on ILoveNY Path Through History weekends; https://www.iloveny.com/event/square-house-museum-tour/73537/

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Witness Stones Ceremony
May
27
9:30 AM09:30

Witness Stones Ceremony

In partnership with School of the Holy Child, join RHS for the Second Annual Witness Stones Ceremony as we continue our tradition of honoring the memory of individuals who were enslaved in our community.

This year, Holy Child students focused their research on Sibb Lewis, a women enslaved in Rye by Billa Theall, whose children were baptized at Christ Church in the early 1800s.The ceremony will include the installation of a witness stone for Sibb, with remarks from local officials as well as Holy Child staff and students who studied Sibb's life.

At its core, the Witness Stones Project is a non-profit initiative aiming to recognize the lives and contributions of enslaved individuals in local communities. The Project goes above and beyond to collaborate with local schools, encouraging students to experience unique ways to engage with the robust histories in their communities.

Both the Project and the school collaborate with local historical repositories and organizations to help provide primary source materials for their students. As a capstone to their project, the three organizations inter witness stones, small stone markers detailing the name and history of each individual, to help in remembering those who have made a significant impact on our history.

The ceremony will take place at Knapp House at 265 Rye Beach Avenue, Rye, NY 10580 on Tuesday, May 27th at 9:30am.

Attendance is free and open to the public.



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