As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our Revolutionary Rye 250 initiative is deepening our understanding of this pivotal time in American history and the role Rye had to play in it. Our committee contributes to several community-driven events focused on American history; this webpage houses the details of prior and upcoming RR250 events.
250 Acorns to Oaks
Rye Historical Society and RR250 are proud to partner with the Rye Sustainability Foundation in this community wide project.
250 Acorns to Oaks is a community-driven initiative dedicated to restoring and expanding the native oak population across public and private properties in Rye. Spearheaded by Councilmember James Ward—former Chair of the Rye Sustainability Committee—this project brings individuals, students, and organizations together to plant the seeds of long-term ecological resilience.
If you want to become a steward of a Rye 250 Oak sampling fill out adoption form here. We anticipate that they will be ready for pick-up in October 2025. Before you do, please keep in mind the following:
We would like your decision to plant an oak to be a long-term commitment to grow an oak. We can help you pick the best spot and even help you answer whether an oak is right for your property.
Along with your oak sapling, you will receive a protective sleeve to help the sapling survive its first few years. With your help we will recycle these sleeves after you are done. The sleeve will stop rabbits and deer from eating the samplings leaves. It will also help the tree grow upwards and fend for itself. We estimate that it will take 3 years to reach a state mature enough to not need a sleeve.
We are trying to build a community of people committed to preserving our oaks. While you don't have to participate in the community, we will ask that you send pictures and report back on the health of the tree, and agree to display your tree on a digital map of sapling locations.
Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure (RR250)
Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM 5:00 PM - Rye Free Reading Room
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.
RVSP is Required please use; https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/14797888
A Debate for the Ages
Performed at the Square House Museum 5/17/2025. Set in 1774, before the Revolutionary War, this scene takes place at the Square House Inn and Tavern. Owned and operated by Ebenezer and Tamar Haviland, the tavern recently hosted a meeting to discuss Rye’s response to the Boston Tea Party. As family sits down to dinner with Tamar’s Uncle, Gilbert Budd tensions rise when Gilbert’s Loyalist views on the impending war spark a debate with devout Patriot, Ebenezer. 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.
Lafayette Returns to Rye: Celebrating 200 Years (1824 - 2024) - August 18, 2024
In August 2024, the American Friends of Lafayette Bicentennial celebration commemorated the 200th anniversary of Major General Lafayette’s return tour to America, including his lunch at the Square House. The Square House, now part of the Rye Historical Society and serving as a museum, is one of few stops from his NY tour that still stands.
The day included proclamations welcoming Lafayette, a Q&A, and a tour of the Square House where Lafayette once dined.
Caden Powers, Rye Historical Intern & RCDS Junior with Marquis De Lafayette at the August 18th celebration.
Independence Day Event
July 4, 2024 at 10am, Library Steps and Village Green, Rye, NY
The Rye Historical Society, in collaboration with Leaders of Tomorrow, hosted a special event on July 4th to honor Rye's pivotal role in American independence. This program was part of the Revolutionary Rye 250 initiative and promised a day filled with historical significance and patriotic celebration.
The centerpiece of this event was a thoughtfully curated lineup, focusing on Rye's crucial contributions to our nation's independence. Highlights included historical reenactments, speeches, songs, and family activities.
Immediately following the program of activities, the Square House Inn & Tavern Museum were open for Guided Tours. All activities were free and open to the public.
Douglas Carey as Ebenezer Haviland leads the July 4th festivities.
Virtual Book Talk: 1774, Reflections on a Long Year of Revolution
May 9, 2024
In collaboration with the Rye Reading Room and the Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education, esteemed historian and author Dr. Mary Beth Norton delivered a virtual discussion about the often-overlooked year of 1774. This pivotal period in American Revolution was marked by stirrings of resistance and dissent.
A fascinating discourse and discussion led by Pam McGuire, co-chairman of the Rye Historical Society’s Revolutionary 250 Committee followed Dr. Norton’s remarks. Pam delved into Rye’s significance in 1774, a time when Dr. Haviland, a prominent member of the Rye community, spearheaded efforts as town supervisor, town clerk, and leader of the Rye Patriots. Learned about the pivotal meeting held on August 10, 1774, likely at the Square House, in response to the Boston Tea Party, and the formation of a committee supporting the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and protested taxation without representation
If you couldn’t make it to the event and are interested in learning more about this period in American history, Dr. Mary Beth Norton’s book focused on it is available in the Square House Museum gift shop. You may also view the PowerPoint of the event agenda here.