We welcome all teachers and students to the Rye Historical Society Square House Museum for a special open house to preview our newest temporary exhibition “The Nation’s Guest: Celebrating Lafayette’s Return," which honors the 200th anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s tour of the United States in 1824-1825.

Description: This captivating and enlightening exhibit is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the profound impact of Lafayette's unwavering commitment to the American Revolution. As a trusted friend and advisor to George Washington, Lafayette played a crucial role in guiding the American forces and contributing to their eventual victory over the British. From providing critical military assistance to fostering diplomatic alliances, Lafayette's efforts were instrumental in securing America's independence. The exhibit showcases professional Museum Quality panels on loan to RHS, alongside a diverse array of artifacts and narratives from the Rye Historical Society’s collection, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience into Lafayette's remarkable journey and enduring legacy

This traveling exhibit of six panels, on loan to us from the American Friends of Lafayette (AFL), will be on display in conjunction with items from our collection to showcase the amazing life and achievements of the esteemed General.

In partnership with the AFL, the historical society will be one of many organizations celebrating Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to our town of Rye on August 18th. Educational programming and activities will be hosted by the Rye Historical Society and the Rye Free Reading Room to celebrate the Bicentennial General’s visit to America.

The panels in this exhibition will be available for viewing at the Rye Historical Society until August 16th, when they will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room for the August 18th celebration.

To sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page and sign up for the full program here.

For more information, please call (914)967-7588 or email lauren.ackerley@ryehistory.org

We can't wait to see you there!

Step into the past with "Taste of History: Victorian Voyage"!

Join us for a unique one-day adventure this Spring Break, where children ages 7 -12 can journey back in time to the enchanting Victorian times.

They'll dive into the flavors of the Victorian era by preparing and savoring authentic recipes. From making raspberry jam and baking bread to crafting tea sandwiches, it's a delicious journey through history. Also there will be traditional crafts and games.

In line with our theme of Victorian voyages, weather permitting, we venture outdoors for playful activities reminiscent of the era. Games like croquet and hoop rolling transport us back to Victorian times, fostering not only entertainment but also social bonds and physical well-being.

When: One-Day Program:

March 27 (Wed) - 10 am – 3 pm

Where: Square House Museum 1 Purchase Street, Rye, NY

Tickets: To secure your spot in this epic one-day adventure, purchase your tickets now. Space is limited to 10 children and our February program sold out. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-break-mini-day-camp-taste-of-history-tickets-797277968867

The price for the one-day program package is $75 plus fees.

Get ready for a taste of history like never before! We can't wait to see you there, and remember to bring your appetite for knowledge (and delicious food)!

Little Dublin Walking Tour: Exploring the Irish Heritage of Rye, NY

Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Details on the tour's starting point will be emailed to all registrants.

Tickets:

Individual: $25

Family: $40

 Purchase Tickets Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/849693796017?aff=oddtdtcreator

Student Registration: Complimentary admission provided. Please call 914-967-7588 to register.

 Erin go Bragh! Join us in celebrating the rich Irish heritage of Rye with a guided walking tour through the historic "Little Dublin" neighborhood. Delve into the stories of immigration, the struggles and triumphs of the Irish community, and their profound impact on the development of West Rye, including the construction of the Church of the Resurrection.

The tour will not only highlight the challenges faced by immigrants and the devastating effects of the Potato Famine but also celebrate the vibrant culture and contributions of the Irish to Rye. Our journey will conclude at the Roadhouse with an invitation to share a pint of Guinness, honoring the spirit of camaraderie and community. The meet-up location will be emailed to registrants.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore the streets of Little Dublin and connect with the heart of Rye's Irish heritage.

Date: February 27th

Time: 6:30 pm

Location: Rye Free Reading Room

Description: Embark on a voyage through time as we uncover the rich legacy of the Native Americans who once called Rye, NY their home. Guiding us through this engaging presentation and interactive Q&A session is Joie Cooney, a Rye resident and RHS Auxiliary Board Member.

Drawing upon a trove of resources, including artifacts from the Rye Historical Society's collection, insights from local historians, Lenape descendants, and eminent scholars, we will delve into 13,000 years of Native American history. Learn about the Rye's first residents - how they lived, the historical events that shaped them, what they left behind, and their survival as a people.

Registration: While participation is complimentary, reservations are requested. Please register here: Eventbrite Link

Virtual Option: Upon registering, you will receive an exclusive ZOOM link, allowing you to partake in the presentation virtually from the comfort of your home.

About :

The Rye Historical Society is thrilled to present a Building Blocks Workshop on Saturday, February 10th. Join us for this second annual creative adventure facilitated by architect Stephen Schwartz, where families can come together to recreate iconic Rye landmarks using 60,000 LEGO building blocks.

In this engaging program, family teams work together to recreate a specific building from a selection of local structures, contributing to a collective 3D map that celebrates the town's heritage.

When:

Join us for Building Blocks Workshops presented by the Rye Historical Society at the Rye Middle School Gym on Saturday, February 10th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

How:

In this exciting creative adventure, family teams will have the opportunity to choose a Rye building photo and transform it into a LEGO masterpiece. Your task is to bring it to life as a detailed LEGO model and then place it on our expansive 30 x 20-foot map of our city. Each model will capture the intricate architectural elements that define Rye's unique charm.

Who:

This event is ideal for families with children in grades 3 and above. Each team can consist of a maximum of four people, and it's open to all generations, from elementary students to grandparents. However, it's mandatory to have at least one adult accompanying each group and it's essential that children are supervised by a parent or an adult throughout the event.

Why:

Get ready to unleash your creativity and construct amazing LEGO structures inspired by Rye's iconic buildings. Dive into the fascinating worlds of architecture, engineering, and history while having a blast alongside fellow LEGO enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to build, learn, and have fun!

Where:

The LEGO Event will take place at Rye Middle School Gym (map)

Reservations/Tickets:

A Family Pass costs $60 (plus fees) for a team of up to four members, including at least one adult.

Purchase Tickets by following the link here: Eventbrite Link

Hurry, as we're limiting participation to just 50 families for this action-packed two-hour event.A Family Pass costs $60 (plus fees) for a team of up to four members, including at least one adult.

Contact:

For more information, please call (914)967-7588 or email lauren.ackerley@ryehistory.org

Who: Calling all educators! Please stop by the Rye Historical Society for a snapshot of our education programs, materials, and fascinating history. 

What: Come and experience a short tour of the Square House Museum, showcasing the extraordinary history of the Square House from the 1730s to present. Learn about some of the house’s famous visitors, as well as its many roles from family home, inn and tavern, post office, town hall, and a museum. 

Explore some of the object-based activities from some of our hands-on history programs. Investigate natural resources as tools and try out some recipe making from our Native Americans of New York program. Test out your calligraphy skills in our Quill and Ink activity from our program on Colonial Communication.

Check out our Traveling Trunks - a treasure trove of rental materials for in-class education.

When: Join us for an hour on January 25 (Thurs) from 4:00-5:00pm and January 27 (Sat) from 1:00-2:00pm

Where: Square House Museum, 1 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 10580

Tickets: No fees! Please come at your leisure to investigate all the Rye Historical Society has to offer for your students. 

To sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page and sign up for the full program here: Eventbrite Link

Contact: For more information, please call (914)967-7588 or email lauren.ackerley@ryehistory.org

We can't wait to see you there!

Who: Calling all educators! Please stop by the Rye Historical Society for a snapshot of our education programs, materials, and fascinating history. 

What: Come and experience a short tour of the Square House Museum, showcasing the extraordinary history of the Square House from the 1730s to present. Learn about some of the house’s famous visitors, as well as its many roles from family home, inn and tavern, post office, town hall, and a museum. 

Explore some of the object-based activities from some of our hands-on history programs. Investigate natural resources as tools and try out some recipe making from our Native Americans of New York program. Test out your calligraphy skills in our Quill and Ink activity from our program on Colonial Communication.

Check out our Traveling Trunks - a treasure trove of rental materials for in-class education.

When: Join us for an hour on January 25 (Thurs) from 4:00-5:00pm and January 27 (Sat) from 1:00-2:00pm

Where: Square House Museum, 1 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 10580

Tickets: No fees! Please come at your leisure to investigate all the Rye Historical Society has to offer for your students. 

To sign up, please visit our Eventbrite page and sign up for the full program here: Eventbrite Link 

Contact: For more information, please call (914)967-7588 or email lauren.ackerley@ryehistory.org

We can't wait to see you there!

WHEN: Saturday, December 9, AND Saturday, December 16th with tours available between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Guided Tours will be taking place on a first come, first served basis at timed intervals lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 10 and up.

Admission is FREE and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.

WHERE: Square House Museum, One Purchase Street, Rye, NY 10580

WHAT: Step back in time as you explore the Square House Museum and delve into the holiday traditions of the Haviland family. Discover how they managed the Square House during the holiday season and celebrated the winter festivities as a family.

For more information, please call (914) 967-7588.

WHEN: Saturday, December 9, AND Saturday, December 16th with tours available between 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Guided Tours will be taking place on a first come, first served basis at timed intervals lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 10 and up.

Admission is FREE and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.

WHERE: Square House Museum, One Purchase Street, Rye, NY 10580

WHAT: Step back in time as you explore the Square House Museum and delve into the holiday traditions of the Haviland family. Discover how they managed the Square House during the holiday season and celebrated the winter festivities as a family.

For more information, please call (914) 967-7588.

Unfortunately, our 2023 Fall Food & Whisky Bash is now Sold Out.

However, you can still support the Rye Historical Society by visiting our silent auction site for some wonderfully unique items.

https://app.galabid.com/rhsfallbash/items

Thank you for your generosity.

Join our annual Rye History Fall party for good food and a sampling of our famous Bourbon.  We will serve curated cocktails made with Square House Bourbon, plus beer, wine and a delicious buffet dinner.

The evening event will be held outside the historic Knapp House under a festive tent with firepits, high top tables and Adirondack chairs.

This don’t-miss bash is on November 11th from 6:30-9:30 pm. The tickets start at $200 per person.

We also offer special Sponsorship Opportunities available with additional benefits and privileges.

Enjoy a guided tour of Rye Town Park, Playland and the surrounding coastal areas. Explore the rich history from original inhabitants to the European settlement and 20th century Rye.

Meet at the Knapp House

Tickets: $25 per person or $60 per family (up to 5 people)

Parking available at Nursery Field, Tour approximate time 1.5 hours

Join us for our Annual Luncheon & Boutique with Guest Speaker Joy Callaway & her new historic novel set in Rye during the Gilded Age, All the Pretty Places

Thursday, May 11th at Noon, Shenorock Shore Club, Rye, NY

Boutique Opens at 10:00am | Lunch Starts at 12:00pm | Presentation Begins at 12:45pm

In All The Pretty Places, Joy Callaway returns with a captivating story of a strong woman in a striking setting, examining the life-changing effects of the beauty of nature and how that splendor is restricted to the rich and privileged in the Gilded Age. Joy Callaway is the international bestselling author of All The Pretty Places, The Grand Design, Secret Sisters, and The Fifth Avenue Artists Society. She resides in Charlotte, NC with her family.

$125/ticket + Free copy of book

$1,000 for Table of 10 + Free copies of book

The world-renowned singers Hungarian soprano Marta Eggerth and Polish tenor Jan Kiepura will be the subject of a video retrospective at the Rye Free Reading Room on Sunday April 23 at 3 pm.  The event, sponsored by the Rye Historical Society, honors these singers who were also long time Rye residents.   Superstars in their day before and after World War Two, the event will be hosted by their son, pianist Marjan Kiepura and his wife and family archivist, Jane Knox-Kiepura.

They will show short video excerpts from their careers spanning opera, film and operetta with rare recordings and live excerpts.  They will discuss pre-War film making, “cross-over” genre, vocal longevity as Ms. Eggerth sang till age 100; and their lives in Rye.  A question-and-answer session will follow. 

The Event is FREE, but Registration is required.

City Hall, the Village Green and the Square House Museum 

Please join Rye Historical Society and the City of Rye staff for our January Walking Tour, a combination of civics and history. This is a great way for families who are knew in town to learn about local government and our City's center, past and present.

We will first visit City Hall for a tour with Greg Usry, City Manager, and then we will continue our tour on Village Green and in the Square House. This tour is appropriate for all ages.

Tour is FREE but please register in advance as it helps us with planning. Please meet at City Hall at 4pm.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!

Stop by the Knapp House on Saturday, December 10th between 11am-3pm to purchase beautiful, one of a kind custom table top trees decorated by local talent including floral and interior designers, merchants and garden clubs.

Silent Auction bidding starts at $125, "Buy Now" option is also available. All proceeds support the restoration of the Knapp House.

Looking for a special gift?

We will have a few select vendors selling jewelry, scarves and hostess gifts. Also for sale: live holiday plants, Rye History ornaments and "The Streets of Rye: How They Got Their Names" book by Paul Rheingold.

Need to occupy the kids while you shop?

Our students ambassadors will be on hand to entertain your kids with a crafts table.

A LEGO building program that highlights the historic character of our town. Each family team will choose a photo from our list of buildings and work to build that structure.  

$60/family team (up to four members, must include at least one adult)
This program is designed for participants in 3rd grade and up

One of the most significant actions during the American Revolution occurred in Westchester County. General Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plot to give West Point to the British got thwarted by three farmer-soldiers in central Westchester. Had Arnold’s co-conspirator, British Major John André, gotten through to New York City, America may have lost its Revolutionary cause. Performing in period dress, Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk engages audiences in this most compelling story of the fight for Independence.

Presented in partnership with the Rye Free Reading Room

Back by popular demand, Algonkian historian Drew Shuptar-Rayvis presents a unique outdoor program highlighting the changes to local Native American culture after European contact. 

This program is geared to children ages 7 and up. 

$25 per child

Tales of Two Cemeteries: Guided Tours of Greenwood Union and African American Cemeteries
Sunday, November 6, 2022

12 PM -- 2 PM
Greenwood Union Cemetery
$20/individual, $50/family
Parking is available in the cemetery, in designated parking areas and along the grass
Meet at the office of Greenwood-Union Cemetery
Registration in advance recommended

One of our most popular tours is finally back! Join us for walking tours of Greenwood Union Cemetery and the African American Cemetery. This walking tour will explore the rich history of each cemetery as well as the interesting stories of some of the people buried there. The history of Rye through the centuries can be told by looking closely at these historic sites, and we look forward to sharing their stories with you. Tales of Two Cemeteries is appropriate for children ages 10 and up. The tour is about two hours long.

Join our annual Rye History Fall party for good food and a sampling of our famous Bourbon .   We will serve curated cocktails made with Square House Bourbon, plus beer, wine and a delicious buffet dinner.

The evening event will be held outside the historic Knapp House under a festive tent with firepits, high top tables and Adirondack chairs.

This don’t-miss bash is on November 5th from 6:30-9:30 pm. The ticket cost is $130 per person.

We also offer special Sponsorship Opportunities available with additional benefits and privileges.

Enjoy a lively evening of songs with tel the Revolutionary tale of the American traitor General Benedict Arnold and the British spy Major John Andre. The Event is FREE, but please register below.

LIVE AT THE HISTORIC TIMOTHY KNAPP HOUSE (OUTDOORS)

APPROPRIATE FOR FAMILIES & CHILDREN 6+ AND HISTORY ENTHUSIASTS AS WELL. BRING A LAWN CHAIR OR BLANKET

Local songwriters, Carla Lynne Hall and Jim Keyes, bring the exciting chapter in American Revolution local history alive with music. Carla and Jim perform in costume, and engage the audience in a discussion of two of the American Revolutions’ most intriguing characters.

If rain, location will be moved indoors to the Square House, 1 Purchase St. Rye, NY)

Beer, Wine, Dinner and Live Music Featuring The M62s

Tickets: $110

Rain Date: Saturday, June 11, 2022

POSTPONED UNTIL FALL

Earth Day Children’s Program with cooking and craft activities to reduce food waste.

Inspired by life long ago and the new book, Girls Who Green the World, by Diana Kapp.

For Ages 7 and Up.

$20/child

Join us for our Annual Luncheon & Boutique with Guest Speaker Allison Pataki and her new book on Marjorie Post.

Thursday, May 5th at Noon, The Apawamis Club, Rye, NY

Boutique Opens at 10:00am

Lunch Starts at 12:00pm

Presentation Begins at 12:45pm

Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, The Traitor’s Wife, The Accidental Empress, Sisi, Where the Light Falls, and The Queen’s Fortune, as well as the nonfiction memoir Beauty in the Broken Places and two children’s books. A former news writer and producer, Allison has written for The New York Times, ABC News, HuffPost, USA Today, Fox News, and other outlets. Allison graduated cum laude from Yale University, is a member of The Historical Novel Society, and lives in New York with her husband and family.