Prelude to the Revolution in a New York Border Town

On July 11, 1776, Rye resident John Thomas Jr. read the Declaration of Independence publicly from the footsteps of the White Plains Courthouse. The New York Provincial Congress had officially ratified the Declaration two days before the excited crowd heard those stirring words. The excitement, however, was not shared by all of their neighbors or even their own family members. Many in Rye and the surrounding towns remained loyal to the King and were deeply opposed to independence. Rye resident Lear Beyer discusses the unique history of our area leading up to the Revolution and how it became the epicenter of America’s first Civil War.

Held on February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Rye Free Reading Room. Recording available here.