Message from the Executive Director

As we approach America at 250, we are reflecting not only on a founding moment, but on the responsibility that comes with stewarding history in the present.

For generations, the Rye Historical Society has preserved and interpreted the local stories that illuminate the national narrative - from the Revolutionary era through moments of profound social change. Today, our work is grounded in a deep commitment to rigorous scholarship, inclusive storytelling, and education that meets students and teachers where they are.

Central to this effort is the Rye Catalog, which expands access to our collections and makes primary sources available for research, teaching, and public inquiry. By connecting documents, objects, and place-based history, we aim to support educators, inspire students, and encourage deeper, more meaningful engagement with the past.

Looking toward 2026, we are reimagining how a local historical society can best serve its community - through experiential learning, open access to collections, and programs that connect history to civic life today. This work depends on strong partnerships with educators and the generous support of donors who believe that history matters, and that access to it matters even more.

I am deeply honored to serve alongside an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals whose care, expertise, and vision guide this work every day. As we look to the future, we are reminded that history is not static - it gains meaning through inquiry, dialogue, and participation.

I invite you to connect with the Rye Historical Society - explore our exhibitions, use the Rye Catalog, collaborate with our educators and scholars, and join us in ensuring that history remains accessible, relevant, and meaningful for generations to come.

Please stay tuned for emails and updates in our Quarterly Newsletter, where you can learn more about our year-round initiatives, exhibitions, Revolutionary Rye (RR250) programs, and other public offerings. And please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at sophia.johnson@ryehistory.org - I would truly welcome hearing from you.

With gratitude,

Sophia N. Johnson, Ph.D.

Executive Director