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!

SOLD OUT!

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:

Tour Lead Sponsor: Fiona Dogan https://www.fionadogan.com/

All-Aboard Sponsors:

Carpet Trends https://www.carpetrends.com/

Milton Point Provisions https://miltonpointprovisions.com/

Trolley Supporter: Patricia Geoghegan and Kendra Moran, Houlihan Lawrence https://www.houlihanlawrence.com/bio/patkendrateam

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Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure (RR250)
Sep
21
3:00 PM15:00

Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure (RR250)

In the midst of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation and formed our first government. But within a few short years, turmoil and dissatisfaction reigned supreme. Watch Rye Country Day Upper School Humanities Chair Clemmie Everett and a group of high school students vigorously debate whether our new country should remain a loose confederation of independent states or whether it should create a strong central government.  You be the judge! Join us on September 21 at 3 PM at the Rye Free Reading Room to hear the arguments and decide our fate.

Sponsored by RR250

RVSP is Required please use; https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/14797888

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The Unforgiving Yardstick: A Guided Tour with Fleur Spolidor
Jul
12
11:00 AM11:00

The Unforgiving Yardstick: A Guided Tour with Fleur Spolidor

Saturday, July 12th  at 11:00am - Join us for a guided tour of 'The Unforgiving Yardstick: A Look at Women's Roles and Struggles in Westchester County' with artist and curator Fleur Spolidor.

For centuries, women have been measured—both literally and figuratively—against standards that dictated their roles, freedoms, and even their attire. This exhibition, led by artist Fleur Spolidor, explores these constraints through 23 original works, including portraits of remarkable Westchester women and sculptural pieces crafted from measuring tapes. From corsets to cycling bloomers, these works challenge us to reconsider the ways in which society has shaped and confined women’s lives. 

This event is free to the public, with donations gratefully accepted. RSVP is requested at: https://givebutter.com/YardstickTour

 

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