Council Room Rental

Love historic venues? Host your next event at the Historic Square House! The Square House is a distinguished historic home and landmark, originally built in 1730, and one of Rye’s most significant surviving colonial-era structures. Now an accredited museum, it is designated on the National Register of Historic Places. The Square House offers a unique and intimate venue for small, meaningful events.   

At the heart of the house is the Council Room, which is available to accommodate a variety of special occasions and a perfect space for your next event! 

Host your presentations, small conferences, or small company get-togethers and icebreakers in the Council Room and make your next meeting one for the history books. 

The Council Room is also an exceptional space for everyone of all ages to gather for a party. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, graduation, or holiday party, host your next party in the Council Room for a memorable and historic celebration your guests are sure to remember for years to come. 

We provide guidance to help you plan your event in this historic home and museum, ensuring both an enjoyable experience and the preservation of this important landmark for future generations. 

Rental Fees

  • Non-member $300/first hour, $50 per additional hour

  • Member $250/first hour, $50 per additional hour 

*Non-refundable booking deposit – 50% of total cost to be submitted along with a written contract; remainder due a week in advance of the event date. 

*Additional cleaning can be arranged for additional cost - $40.

Booking Details

  • Rentals are available for scheduling Tuesdays through Saturdays between 9am-4:00pm or evenings upon request.

  • Booking must be done at least 2 weeks in advance of the requested date.

Rental Details

  • Rentals can accommodate up to 30 guests. We respectfully request that final group numbers must be confirmed at least 1 day in advance of the scheduled date. 

  • Rentals are available for scheduling Tuesdays through Saturdays between 9am-4:00pm or evenings upon request. Booking must be done at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date. At the time of booking, the renter must submit a 50% non-refundable booking deposit along with the signed contract. The remainder of the payment is due a week before the event. 

  • There is a kitchen off the Council Room, complete with refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and electric kettle that can be used for food and beverage preparation. The kitchen is also complete with pots, pans, plates, cups, cutlery, and serving ware for use as needed.  

  • The entire lower level of the Square House, including the Council Room, kitchen, and restroom, is handicapped accessible. 

  • All food, drinks, activities, and decor must be provided by the renter. All clean up is the responsibility of the renter. Assistance for cleaning can be arranged for an additional $40. 

  • Historical Society staff will be onsite to advise the renter for space setup and breakdown 45 minutes before and after the event.  

  • The cost only includes the use of the Council Room space and does not include access to the remainder of the Square House or a House Tour unless coordinated with Historical Society staff. 

  • The Council Room has a permanent table and chair setup. The Council Room Table includes 7 armchairs, and an additional 6 wooden chairs available for use. Upon request, Historical Society staff can supply an additional 2 large folding tables, large round table, or small square folding table and additional 20 white folding chairs. 

  • Please note that as an active museum with changing exhibits, there may be installations on the walls that will be there during your event. If there is something you want to display during the event, please consult with staff before booking.  

Rental Inquiry