Join us at the Square House for this fun holiday program. We will discuss holiday traditions through history and each child will decorate their own 20 inch tabletop tree to take home!

This event is targeted to children in 3rd-5th grade.  Please plan to drop off your child with a water bottle.  A snack of cookies (gluten free available) will be served.

All proceeds help to support the Rye Historical Society's mission to bring education, programming and exhibits to the Rye, NY community. Reserve your child’s spot here: https://givebutter.com/Decorate

We are excited to host Season of Giving at the Square House, partnering with local organizations to offer holiday cheer in the heart of Rye! Say "hello" to Santa and enjoy hot chocolate thanks to the generous support of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty and Houlihan Lawrence. The Square House Museum will feature RHS's annual Tabletop Tree Fundraiser where visitors can bid on beautifully decorated tabletop trees from some of Rye's favorite designers. Activities in and around the Square House include festive music, the Rye Troop 2 wreath sale and programs and crafts from the Rye Free Reading Room, Rye Arts Center and Rye Nature Center, including a Puppet Show performance, presented by Carpet Trends at 12:15, 1:15 & 2:15PM. Meals on Main St. will collect non-perishable food items to help those experiencing food insecurity. During this end of year giving season, the Rye Historical Society looks forward to coming together with these impactful organizations that serve the Rye community and help it to thrive.

More details about the Tabletop Tree Fundraiser:

Stop by the Square House to purchase beautiful, one of a kind custom table top trees decorated by local talent including floral and interior designers, merchants and garden clubs. Each tree will have a theme based on the decorators' whim (past themes have included Birds of a Feather, No Place Like Gnome, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Cars). Visitors can bid to win one of these festive trees - a perfect keepsake for your home or gift for the holidays. Small plants will also be available for purchase.

All trees will be sold by Silent Auction with a starting price of $125.

There will be an opportunity for visitors to the Square House to vote for their favorite tree in several categories like “Most Whimsical”, “Most Traditional”, and “Most Creative”.

Based on his paper in the Westchester Historian (link available here), Slavery in My Neighborhood, Howard Husock will discuss the history of slavery in Rye, focusing on which families and landowners benefited--even after New York abolished slavery by 1827.  It will discuss, as well, the extent and economics of slavery, as well as which types of households owned the enslaved--and the majority who did not.

Location: Rye Free Reading Room

Time: Sunday, November 23rd at 3pm

Available in person or online, register for either here: https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/15192534?hs=a

Back by popular demand - Don't miss this annual favorite Halloween tradition when the Square House is transformed into the Spooky House. Ghosts, goblins, bumps and squeaks await as you wind your way through the darkened rooms. Visitors may encounter other-worldly travelers awakening from their 200 year slumber at Old Haviland's Inn - you never know who you might meet! This family-friendly program is appropriate for younger children - all must be accompanied by an adult. No werewolves or vampires, no chainsaws- just good, old-fashioned ghosts, skeletons, bats, and rats for a slightly spooky evening.

Tickets available at the door.

2025 Dates:

Friday October 24th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday October 25th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

*children of all ages must be accompanied by an adult

Don't miss our annual Fall party for great food and delicious drinks! In addition to our popular bourbon tasting, we will serve curated cocktails made with Square House Bourbon, plus beer, wine, and mocktails. Food will be provided by Antonio's Italian Deli & Market (a perfect chance to try this new local hot spot) and desserts provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes. The evening event will be held outside the historic Knapp House under a festive tent with live music from Mike Bram, firepits, high top tables and more!

**We are thrilled to share our Knapp House Match Campaign - Help maintain the Historic Knapp House and Support the Rye Historical Society. Every donation made between now and October 18th will be tripled, courtesy of a generous matching pledge!**

Tickets on sale now with packages available!   https://givebutter.com/c/RHSBash2025

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL SPONSORSHIP LEVEL OPPORTUNITIES & BENEFITS

Saturday, September 27th, 11am

99 Station Plaza - Rye Train Station

Rain location - Rye City Hall

Save the Date for Rye City's special ceremony naming the Rye Station Plaza in honor of M. Paul and Orial Redd. The Redds were transformational leaders whose vision, advocacy and wisdom have shaped lives across Rye, greater Westchester, and the national stage. This event will celebrate their enduring legacy of leadership, justice, and community building.

RSVP to Marion Anderson at marionj.anderson123@gmail.com

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

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

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

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/

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.

TO WATCH THE DEBATE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjWD4M0F9Ro

Join us at the Square House as two local high school students and RHS interns present A Debate for the Ages. With appreciative support from Doug Carey of Leaders of Tomorrow, these students will act out their original play exploring the divisions within Rye's Haviland family between Loyalist and Patriot sympathizers. This exciting event, co-sponsored by Revolutionary Rye 250, is free to the public, with donations gratefully accepted. RSVP is requested. 

What is Revolutionary Rye 250?

Revolutionary Rye 250 (RR250) is a committee of the Rye Historical Society, committed to researching, preserving, and celebrating the unique heritage of United States Revolutionary Era History. Inspired by America 250, the NYS 250th Commemoration Commission, and Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250) which commemorates the 250th anniversary or semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, RR250 is focused on the enduring legacy of the American Revolution, with a special emphasis on our local narrative.

The original settlement of Rye began in 1660 at Peningo Neck, established by a group of settlers who named it after Rye in Sussex, England, in 1665. Rye was initially part of a larger area acquired from Native Americans by settlers from Greenwich, Connecticut. This area encompassed what are now Rye, Port Chester, and parts of Harrison and Purchase. Over time, Rye’s broader boundaries evolved, and the surrounding areas developed into the distinct towns and villages we know today. Our steering committee reflects members from the greater Rye community, acknowledging this shared history.

By engaging various stakeholders—including residents, educators, artists, the business community, students, and policymakers—RR250 seeks to foster a connection with our collective history. This engagement aims to deepen the understanding and appreciation of the events in and around Rye, NY, that have shaped the broader narrative of the United States, showcasing the evolution of core ideals such as freedom, liberty, and justice over time.

Join us for the Rye Historical Society's Annual Spring Luncheon and Boutique on May 8, 2025

Featuring Special Guest, New York Times bestselling author, Lauren Willig to discuss her book, The Girl From Greenwich Street.

Boutique opens at 10:00am, Luncheon starts at 12:00pm.

Tickets and donation opportunities are available now at: Rye Historical Society Annual Luncheon & Boutique or by calling 914-967-7588.

The Lake George Battlefield State Park (Warren County, New York) contains the remains of twenty-five years of military action and encampment spanning the French and Indian War through the American Revolution. Within the park are the intact remains of notable battles and evidence of the daily life of soldiering in the 18th century. In 1776, the area became home to the largest smallpox hospitals in the American colonies, with several thousand smallpox patients brought and cared for here. This presentation will discuss past and current archaeological research at the Lake George Battlefield State Park and a shift towards the use of non-invasive geophysical techniques, limited excavation, and existing collections research.

Presented by Siobhan M. Hart, PhD

Siobhan Hart (she/her) is an anthropologist and professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Her work is concerned with using material culture, place, and community collaboration to address inequities in the world today. As an anthropological archaeologist, she is interested in what we know about the past, how we know it, and how it matters to people today. She is curator of the Skidmore Archaeological Collection and author of the book Colonialism, Community, and Heritage in Native New England (2019, University Press Florida). 

 To Register: RW 250: Uncovering the Lake George Battlefield - LibCal - Rye Free Reading Room

In Partnership with RW250 and the Rye Free Reading Room

Join the Rye Historical Society for another in-depth exploration of the fascinating Dublin neighborhood and to learn more about the lives of the extraordinary men and women who built Rye!

As one of the first working class neighborhoods in Rye, Dublin was named for the Irish immigrants who lived there for over 50 years. Following the large influx of Irish immigrants to the neighborhood, Italian individuals settled into the community, bringing with them masonry skills from home that created distinct stone houses (and even a chapel or two!) that still grace the narrow streets. With this blend of cultures, the West Rye neighborhoods are truly Rye's melting pot.

March 15th 10:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 2:30pm.

To register: Please purchase your tickets through our Eventbrite page. Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dublin-and-west-rye-150-years-of-immigration-walking-tour-tickets-1259953206959?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp

Ticket pricing runs $25 per Individual ages 12 and up. Children under 12 are Free.

Space is limited to 25.

Tour groups are welcome to join us after the tour at Rye Roadhouse for a pint of Guinness.

Join us on this multicultural adventure to explore West Rye like never before!

Join us every Saturday in February at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for Guided Tours of the Square House Museum. Tours are free for museum members and include access to the Tokens of Affection exhibit. Non-members are warmly invited to attend, discover more about the Rye Historical Society, and consider making a donation to support the museum's programs and activities.

Join us every Saturday in February at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for Guided Tours of the Square House Museum. Tours are free for museum members and include access to the Tokens of Affection exhibit. Non-members are warmly invited to attend, discover more about the Rye Historical Society, and consider making a donation to support the museum's programs and activities.

On Saturday, February 8th, at 1:30 & 2:30pm, members can enjoy a delightful Hearts & Crafts family workshop. Create your own vintage-inspired valentine while celebrating the season of love. This hands-on activity is appropriate for all ages and offers a fun, creative way to connect with history. Non-members are welcome to participate and are warmly encouraged to make a donation to support the museum's programs and activities.

Join us every Saturday in February at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for Guided Tours of the Square House Museum. Tours are free for museum members and include access to the Tokens of Affection exhibit. Non-members are warmly invited to attend, discover more about the Rye Historical Society, and consider making a donation to support the museum's programs and activities.

Join us every Saturday in February at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM for Guided Tours of the Square House Museum. Tours are free for museum members and include access to the Tokens of Affection exhibit. Non-members are warmly invited to attend, discover more about the Rye Historical Society, and consider making a donation to support the museum's programs and activities.

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 Rye Historical Society 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, Joie will delve into 13,000 years of Native American history. Learn about Rye's first residents - how they lived, the historical events that shaped them, what they left behind, and their survival as a people. 

Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to view select Native American artifacts from our Morgan Seacord Collection* currently being catalogued by Josie LaRiccia. Josie began volunteering with the Rye Historical Society in 1993 as part of an archaeology course at Norwalk Community College, where she identified and catalogued over 1500 artifacts from the Morgan Seacord Collection. After a decades-long hiatus, she reconnected with RHS in 2023 while enrolled in SUNY Westchester Community College’s Historic Preservation Certification program. Since then, Josie has created an online inventory of all 1500 artifacts, including original hand-written notes, some dating as far back as the late 1800’s. Fascinating artifacts on display at the presentation will include arrowheads, projectile points and other tools for fishing and hunting, as well as unique hand-drawn maps dating back as far as 1918. 

Attendance is free and open to the public. A reception with wine and cheese will precede the lecture. 

*Morgan H. Seacord (1879-1971) was an attorney and author heavily involved in the Huguenot and Historical Association of New Rochelle and the Westchester County Historical Society. In 1965, he donated a large collection of thousands of archaeological finds from the Long Island Sound coast of Westchester County to the Rye Historical Society. 

Join our annual Rye Historical Society Fall party for good food and delicious drinks!

In addition to our popular bourbon tasting, we will serve curated cocktails made with Square House Bourbon, plus beer, wine and a delicious buffet dinner from Palmer's Catering!  You can also enjoy a non-alcoholic beer or mocktail featuring Ritual N/A whiskey.

The evening event will be held outside the historic Knapp House under a festive tent with live music from Rye favorite, Bob & Norm.

Tickets on sale now, starting at $200 per ticket.

TICKET LEVELS:

Knapp House Patron - $2,500 

• 6 tickets to the Food & Whiskey Bash

• 3 bottles of Square House Bourbon

• Name included on Event signage and Website

• Thank You signage and recognition at event

RHS Friend - $1,400 

• 4 tickets to the Food & Whiskey Bash

• 2 bottles of Square House Bourbon

• Name included on Event signage and Website

• Thank You signage and recognition at event

Premium Ticket Package - $500 

• 2 tickets to the Food & Whiskey Bash

• 1 bottle of Square House Bourbon

Standard Ticket - $200/person

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

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT OUR TICKET PLATFORM: Givebutter does not charge platform fees to not-for-profit organizations that utilize their services and relies on the generosity of donors like you to support this free service. Before you finalize your ticket purchase, you will be given the option to add a "tip" to support Givebutter and its mission to help not-for-profits maximize their fundraising. The tip to Givebutter is optional, and if you do not wish to "tip" Givebutter, please ensure that you select "other" from the dropdown menu to deselect "tips."  

Date: Monday, September 23rd
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Rye Free Reading Room

The Rye Historical Society invites you to join the Revolutionary Rye 250 organizational meeting on Monday, September 23rd. In partnership with Revolutionary Westchester 250 (RW250), we are planning local events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

We are seeking participants with an interest in the Revolutionary War era to join our efforts. We have open roles for those with an interest and experience in special events, fundraising, marketing, or educational outreach. Please attend the meeting to learn more.

RSVP is required: Please confirm your attendance on or before Friday, September 21st, by emailing Anne Gold, Executive Director, at anne.gold@ryehistory.org. Please remember to include your name, address, email, and phone number for our records.