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.

UPCOMING RR250 EVENTS

Prelude to the Revolution in a New York Border Town

Sunday, February 1st - 3pm
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 on February 1, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Rye Free Reading Room 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.

RSVP

Cowboys and Skinners: The Perilous Life in the Neutral Ground

Sunday, March 15th - 3PM
Rye Free Reading Room

Hear Jan Kelsey, Rye resident, President of the Board of Trustees of the Westchester Historical Society, and former archivist for the Rye Historical Society, discuss the Cowboys and Skinners, two notorious gangs that ravaged Rye and Westchester County during the Revolutionary War. Our communities endured 7 years of fear and lawlessness from 1776 to 1783 as they faced foraging troops, gangs of marauders, military skirmishes, economic hardship and political upheaval on a daily basis.  Families had divided loyalties and many fled to either New York or Connecticut to escape the violence of the so-called “Neutral Ground.”

RSVP

Please stay tuned.

To learn more about RR250 events and initiatives, click below.

RR250 Events

Revolutionary Rye 250 Steering Committee

The RR250 Steering Committee Commission has established a plan and is implementing events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

Co-Chairs:

  • Jeannette Cummins, Rye Historical Society

  • Pam McGuire, Rye Historical Society

Members:

  • Tricia Madden, Wainwright House

  • Shelley Mayer, Office of State Senator Mayer

  • Susan Morison, Rye Historical Society

  • Daniel O’Day, Rye Historical Society

  • Steve Otis, NY Assembly Office

  • Milly Pena, Purchase College

  • Jono Peters, Rye Historical Society

  • Caden Powers, RCDS Student

  • Debbie Reisner, Town of Rye

  • Paul Rheingold, Rye Historical Society

  • Frank Sanchez, Manhattanville University

  • Chris Shoemaker, Rye Free Reading Room

  • Stacey Sotirhos, RCDS

  • Jonathan Spurrell, Rye Historical Society

  • Arthur Stampleman, Rye Historical Society

  • Tracy Stora, Conservation Commission/Advisory Council

  • Jean Taplett, Town of Harrison

  • Lexy Tomaino, Wainwright House

  • Lisa Urban, NY Assembly Office

  • Teresa Vega, Historian and Genealogist

  • Philip Verona, Rye High School

  • James Ward, The Rye Sustainability Committee

Rye Historical Committee Staff:

  • Christine Moore, Archival Researcher

  • Natalie Hofstedt, Director of Programs

  • Lear Beyer, Rye Historical Society

  • Rachel Breinin, Wainwright House

  • Douglas Carey, Leaders of Tomorrow

  • Suzanne Clary, Jay Heritage Center

  • Josh Cohn, Former Mayor/City of Rye

  • Joie Cooney, Rye Historical Society

  • Lindsay Craig, Non-profit Leader

  • Barbara Cummings, Rye Historical Society

  • Barbara Davis, Westchester Historical Society

  • Rachel Estroff, Office of State Senator Mayer

  • Clemmie Everett, Rye Country Day School

  • Brandon Farewell, Rye High School

  • Peter Feinman, Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education

  • Peter Fellows, Mamaroneck Historical Society

  • Tracy Fitzpatrick, Purchase College

  • Anne Gold, New Rochelle Downtown BID

  • DJ Hennes, Rye Historical Society

  • Paul Hicks, Rye Historical Society

  • Howard Husock, Rye Historical Society

  • Jackie Jenkins, Rye Historical Society

  • Robin Jovanovich, Former owner of Rye Record

  • Constance Kehoe, Revolutionary Westchester 250

  • Lisa Keller, Purchase College

  • Jan Kelsey, Rye Historical Society

  • Christen Klewicki, Rye High School

  • George Krajca, Rye High School

  • Robin Latimer, American Legion Auxiliary