Past Events
While these events may have passed, stay tuned for more engaging events throughout the year.
Little Historians
Little Historians Story Time is a bi-monthly children’s program (Ages 6-10) designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners. This program encourages an exploration of the past through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities such as themed coloring pages, and an introduction to the Square House Museum. Walk-ins are welcome, donations are gratefully accepted.
Sail Through History
Privateers: sanctioned seafaring swindlers or daring sailors that turned the tides of America’s struggle for freedom?
Rye Historical Society invites you to a very special weekend to explore the enthralling nautical history of privateering during one of America’s most tumultuous time periods.
The Story of Privateering in the Revolutionary War with Eric Dolin
On Friday, October 16th, join us for a very special evening with Eric Jay Dolin, critically acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author of Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution. Dolin will share fresh insight into the ways privateers were fundamental to the outcome of the American Revolution. At a time when the British navy was the most powerful force on the water, the Continental Congress gave freelance fleets of whaleboats and merchant vessels letters of marque, empowering them to scour the coastlines and open oceans in hopes of capturing British ships, thereby putting a thorn in the side of the oppressive forces threatening colonial freedoms.
From 6-7pm, join us at the historic Square House museum for Dolin’s presentation on the daring exploits of these rebellious sailors.
Light bites and drinks will be available from 5:30-6pm prior to the talk. Mr. Dolin will be available after the presentation for a short Q&A and opportunity to sign copies of his work, Rebels at Sea, as well as his newest work, The Wreck of the Mentor. Copies will be available courtesy of Arcade Books.
About the Author
Eric Jay Dolin is the author of seventeen books, including Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America; A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes; Black Flags, Blue Waters: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates; and Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution. His newest work, available since June 2, 2026, is The Wreck of the Mentor: A True Story of Death, Despair, and Deliverance in the Age of Sail.
Dolin's books have won many awards including the John Lyman Award for U.S. Maritime History; Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award; National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in American History Book Award for Adult Nonfiction; Samuel Eliot Morison Book Award for Naval Literature; L. Byrne Waterman Book Award for Outstanding Contributions to Research and Pedagogy in the Arts, Humanities, and Sciences; James P. Hanlan Book Award; and the Outdoor Writers Association of America Book Award. Many of his books have been chosen as “must reads” by the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Other honors include being chosen as a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, and as one of the best books of the year by The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, the Library Journal, and Booklist. Dolin lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his family.
A Special Tour of the Tall Ship The Lynx
Have you wondered what it would have been like aboard privateering ships? Continue to explore the thrilling nautical history of privateers during the American Revolution with a once-in-a-lifetime experience inspired by this year’s momentous 250th commemorations. Westchester County is honored to host the Tall Ship The Lynx at Hudson Park in New Rochelle, NY. This masterfully crafted Tall Ship is inspired by a privateer modeled after those used during the Revolutionary War.
On Saturday, October 17th, Rye Historical Society invites participants on a private guided tour of The Lynx. Join us for light refreshments at 8:30am at the Square House Museum and then hop on a bus ride to New Rochelle. Participants will leave the Square House and arrive at The Lynx at 9:30am before the ship opens to the general public. Visitors will have the opportunity to board the ship, learn more about the ship and its history, and get a unique, personal experience that that will be remembered for the next 50 years!
For more information about The Lynx and its crew, please visit https://www.tallshiplynx.org/.
Tickets will be available for each individual event or as a discounted bundled special! Purchase your tickets at https://givebutter.com/sail-through-history-k5bzgb.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history on the second Saturday of every month. We invite our members to arrive before the museum opens to explore parts of the historical society’s collection that are not otherwise on display. This sneak peek behind the scenes of our archives and collections invites engaging dialog with staff and offers a unique look at Rye’s vibrant history. RSVP is required.
RR250: Blood on the Sound: Two Authors, Two Untold Stories of the Revolution
New Date: Sunday, October 4th
Long before it was a quiet commuter suburb, Rye was a battleground. DJ Hennes, local resident, RHS Board Member and author of Whispers of Liberty, brings to life the whaleboat wars — the brutal, no-quarter guerrilla campaign fought by raiders across Long Island Sound, where Rye residents themselves took up arms in a conflict as vicious as any battlefield of the Revolution.
Brian Carso, lawyer, historian, and author of Gideon’s Revolution, uncovers a story stranger than fiction: George Washington’s secret mission to kidnap the traitor Benedict Arnold and drag him back to face justice.
Together, Hennes and Carso reveal how the messiest, most dangerous truths of the Revolutionary War make for its best stories — and why historical fiction, done right, doesn’t have to choose between accuracy and adrenaline.
Register here https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/16902278
Rye Historical Society's Fall Celebration & Benefit featuring Crafted in America
NEW DATE: Saturday, October 3rd at 6:30pm
Knapp House
Don't miss RHS's Fall Celebration & Benefit featuring Crafted in America on October 3rd! Tickets are available NOW for this fan favorite, festive annual event at the Historic Knapp House. The evening will feature delicious food and craft whiskey tastings, live music, and an exciting new addition. In line with RHS's focus on preservation, we will celebrate the enduring tradition of American craftsmanship through a curated collection of handcrafted works for auction created by regional artisans, woodworkers, designers, and makers. Secure your tickets today!
Tickets can be purchased at https://givebutter.com/c/RHSFall26
Architecture Tour of The Square House
Join us on the fourth Saturday of each month for an all-new Architecture Tour of the Square House! This fascinating tour begins in 1730, when the first structure was built as a private home for Peter Brown. Tour goers then travel to the year 1780, when major renovations helped to expand the Inn and Tavern's business. Fast forward to 1830, when the building was converted back a private home for the Mead family. In 1904, to save the home from demolition, yet another conversion turned the residence into City Hall, and finally, in 1964, a colonial museum. Tickets are required. Reserve your spot here.
Trolley Tour - From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, September 20th, 10:30am
SOLD OUT
Back by Popular Demand! All aboard for a rollicking ride through Rye's past. Join the Rye Historical Society for our engaging trolley tour, From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties. Riding in refurbished New Orleans-style trolleys, these tours will explore the history of waterfront recreation on Milton Point, from the grand summer estates to the bustling beaches.
UPDATE: Due to children’s activities at Nursery Field, ticket holders should meet at Rye Town Park - please see your email for more information.
*Our September Tour is generously sponsored by Susan O'Brien, Houlihan Lawrence
Little Historians Story Time
Designed for ages 6 - 10 to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners. This program encourages an exploration of the past through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities such as themed coloring pages, and an introduction to the Square House Museum. Walk-ins are welcome, donations are gratefully accepted.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history on the second Saturday of every month. We invite our members to arrive before the museum opens to explore parts of the historical society’s collection that are not otherwise on display. This sneak peek behind the scenes of our archives and collections invites engaging dialog with staff and offers a unique look at Rye’s vibrant history. RSVP is required.
Little Historians Story Time
Designed for ages 6 - 10 to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners. This program encourages an exploration of the past through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities such as themed coloring pages, and an introduction to the Square House Museum. Walk-ins are welcome, donations are gratefully accepted.
Square House Closed
PLEASE NOTE: The Square House Museum will be closed Saturday 8/8/2026 through Monday 8/17/2026, reopening on Tuesday 8/18/2026.
Our Little Historians Story Hour and Member Mornings will be on Summer break for July and August. We look forward to welcoming participants back to the Square House in September, with a refreshed, new take on both programs!
Trolley Tour - From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties (SOLD OUT)
Sunday, July 26th, 10:30am - SOLD OUT
Sunday, September 20th, 10:30am - TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW - Click HERE!
Back by Popular Demand! All aboard for a rollicking ride through Rye's past. Join the Rye Historical Society for our engaging trolley tour, From the Gilded Age to the Roaring Twenties. Riding in refurbished New Orleans-style trolleys, these tours will explore the history of waterfront recreation on Milton Point, from the grand summer estates to the bustling beaches.
*Our July Tour is generously sponsored by Fiona Dogan
Square House Book Club - It Girl by Allison Pataki
Join us on July 15th at 6pm for our next Square House Book Club moderated by local resident and author Lee Sandford. This month's meeting will be in-person; the book selection is It Girl by New York Times best-selling author Allison Pataki. This fascinating historical fiction novel is based on the life of Evelyn Nesbit, America's first "It Girl", a model and actress who became a self-made celebrity in early 20th century New York City. To facilitate a lively and engaging discussion, questions can be submitted prior to the meeting and Pataki will be pre-recording answers to select questions for our attendees. Wine and cheese will be served, doors open at 5:30pm.
This program is free, registration is required. Register here.
Story Hour at the Square House
Join Rye Historical Society for a Story Hour on July 14th at 10am. Through engaging storytelling and exploration of the historic house, participants will be introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This Story Hour is appropriate for ages 5 and older (parents/guardians must accompany their child). Admission is free, donations are appreciated.
July 4th 250th Celebration on the Village Green
Join the Rye Historical Society and Doug Carey from Leaders of Tomorrow at the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Village Green. Enjoy historical reenactments, historic speeches and readings, patriotic songs and more as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary! This year, we will also be celebrating Rye’s historic trees as well as the 250 Acorns to Oaks initiative led by the Rye Sustainability Foundation. Admission is free, more details coming soon.
Square House Closed
Join us for the Rye Fourth of July Celebration Saturday 7/4 on the village green.
Little Historians Story Hour
Little Historians Story Hour is an new recurring children’s program at the Square House Museum. This program is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners (Ages 3-7). Through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and exploration of the historic house, children are introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history. Come experience the exhibitions at your own pace with our Member Mornings. Enjoy a quiet hour of early access before general admission begins for the day. Member Mornings are every Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Registration is requested here.
Square House Closed for Private Event
Interested in hosting your event at the Square House? Learn more here.
Rye Sound Series: The Music Conservatory of Westchester
The Rye Historical Society is proud to continue our Rye Sound Series, featuring some of the county's most talented young musicians from The Music Conservatory of Westchester. Soloists and chamber ensembles will play both popular and lesser-known music from various time periods and genres, including Classical, Baroque, Jazz, and a special performance of colonial Drum & Fife music. Concert goers step back in time and can tour the celebrated Square House as they listen to these curated performances. This concert is free and open to the public, registration is requested. Register here.
Little Historians Story Hour
Little Historians Story Hour is an new recurring children’s program at the Square House Museum. This program is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners (Ages 3-7). Through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and exploration of the historic house, children are introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history. Come experience the exhibitions at your own pace with our Member Mornings. Enjoy a quiet hour of early access before general admission begins for the day. Member Mornings are every Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Registration is requested here.
Little Historians Story Hour
Little Historians Story Hour is an new recurring children’s program at the Square House Museum. This program is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners (Ages 3-7). Through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and exploration of the historic house, children are introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history. Come experience the exhibitions at your own pace with our Member Mornings. Enjoy a quiet hour of early access before general admission begins for the day. Member Mornings are every Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Registration is requested here.
Virtual Book Talk: The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places
Join Rye resident Emily Hurd as she discusses The Cities We Need: Essential Stories of Everyday Places with author, photographer and urbanist Gabrielle Bendiner-Viani. Bendiner-Viani's book introduces us to the complex, political, and eminently personable stories of residents who answered this question in Brooklyn, New York, and Oakland, California. This thoughtful and timely discussion will look at what communities mean for the people who live there, how a place offers a sense of belonging and how community planning guides future priorities. The event is free but registration is required. Register here.
Learn more about the author and the book here!
Purchase a copy at Amazon or at Bookshop.
Local to Rye? Pick up at copy at Arcade Books!
Little Historians Story Hour
Little Historians Story Hour is an new recurring children’s program at the Square House Museum. This program is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners (Ages 3-7). Through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and exploration of the historic house, children are introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history. Come experience the exhibitions at your own pace with our Member Mornings. Enjoy a quiet hour of early access before general admission begins for the day. Member Mornings are every Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Registration is requested here.
Richard Brookhiser Book Discussion: Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution
Rye Library
The Rye Historical Society, Revolutionary Rye 250 and the Rye Library are thrilled to host noted-historian Richard Brookhiser on Sunday May 17th at 3pm to discuss his book, Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution. Brookhiser will examine four of Trumbull’s masterpieces, including Declaration of Independence and General George Washington Resigning His Commission, and will discuss how the artist’s fifty-year project embodied the meaning of American exceptionalism and played a key role in defining the values of the new country. Book signing and reception to follow the lecture. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review and a fellow of the National Review Institute. His books include Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution; Founding Father: Rediscovering George Washington; and Founders’ Son: A Life of Abraham Lincoln. In 2008 he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President George W. Bush.
Little Historians Story Hour
Little Historians Story Hour is an new recurring children’s program at the Square House Museum. This program is designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and a love of history in young learners (Ages 3-7). Through engaging storytelling, hands-on activities, and exploration of the historic house, children are introduced to the people, places, and events that shaped the City of Rye and early America. This program is free, registration is requested here.
Member Mornings
Calling all RHS members! Join us for coffee, conversation, and a closer look at history. Come experience the exhibitions at your own pace with our Member Mornings. Enjoy a quiet hour of early access before general admission begins for the day. Member Mornings are every Saturday from 9:30-10:30am. Registration is requested here.