Lecture Series: Prelude to the Revolution in a New York Border Town With Lear Beyer
Sunday, February 1st, 2026, 3pm at the Rye Free Reading Room
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. Join us to hear Rye resident Lear Beyer discuss the unique history of our area leading up to the Revolution and how it became the epicenter of America’s first Civil War.
This event is free of charge and open to all. Please register here.
Lecture Series: Slavery in my Neighborhood with Howard Husock
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.
Event was held on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025.
RR250 Preservation Tree Initiative
On July 4, 2026, the RR250 Committee will announce which trees aged 200 years and older have been added to the Rye Preservation Tree Registry. The registry will document each tree’s location, species, and estimated age. The goal of the RR250 Preservation Tree initiative is to identify and recognize qualifying trees for inclusion in the registry, which is maintained by the Rye Sustainability Committee.
All residents - homeowners and renters alike - are encouraged to submit an RR250 Preservation Tree form to identify trees in Rye that are known or believed to be at least 200 years old. Invasive species, including Norway maple and tree of heaven, are excluded.
RR250 Committee members are also working with public partners to locate qualifying trees on city, school, club, park, and other public or institutional properties.
Guidelines for estimating a tree’s age (in addition to consulting a professional arborist):
Identify the species by photographing a leaf or bark and using an identification app such as Picture This or Google Lens. Measurements are best taken when the tree has leaves.
Measure the circumference (CF) of the trunk at approximately 4.5 feet above the ground. Calculate the diameter (DI) in inches by dividing the circumference by pi (3.14).
Multiply the diameter by the growth factor (GF) for that species. Growth factors reflect average growth rates and can be found using apps such as My Tree ID. Note that growth rates vary among species - for example, faster-growing silver maples have a lower GF (about 3.0), while slower-growing sugar maples have a higher GF (about 5.5).
For example: A sugar maple with a circumference of 133 inches has a diameter of 42.4 inches (133 ÷ 3.14). Multiplying 42.4 by a growth factor of 5.5 yields an estimated age of 233 years.
For more information please contact Paul Hick at pdefhicks@gmail.com
The forms can also be obtained at the office of the Rye City Clerk in City Hall as well as submitted there. ( Click here for full article - The Rye Record)
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.
For more information click here.
Lecture Series; Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure
Event was held Sunday, September 21, 2025.
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, 2025 at 3 PM at the Rye Free Reading Room to hear the arguments and decide our fate.
Past Event: A Debate for the Ages
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. This event was held May 2025.
Past Event: Lafayette Returns to Rye: Celebrating 200 Years (1824 - 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.
Past Event: Independence Day Event 2024
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.
Douglas Carey as Ebenezer Haviland leads the July 4th festivities.
Past Event: 1774, Reflections on a Long Year of Revolution (Virtual Book Talk)
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. This event was held May 2024.