The Rye Historical Society

10/16/2026

We have fun events upcoming at the Square House Museum in the next few weeks. Including Little Historians and our annual Slightly Spooky Square House!

Visit ryehistory.org for more information.

10/15/2026

On this day in 1789, George Washington spent his first night on the road as president in Rye.

He left New York that morning for a tour of New England. He rode through Eastchester, New Rochelle and Mamaroneck, and his diary notes the pumpkins were still out in the fields. That night he stayed at the Widow Haviland's tavern. It's still standing as the Square House, home of the Rye Historical Society.

Photos: the Square House by Doug Kerr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Gilbert Stuart's portrait of Washington (public domain). Via Wikimedia Commons.

Have you ever been inside the Square House?

10/14/2026

Last Call for Sail Through History! ⛵️

Join the Rye Historical Society this Friday and Saturday for a fascinating journey into the world of Revolutionary War privateers and their role in America’s fight for independence!

Friday, October 16: Hear bestselling author Eric Jay Dolin discuss the daring sailors who challenged British naval power.

Saturday, October 17: Enjoy a special guided tour of the tall ship The Lynx in New Rochelle!

Explore nautical treasures from our collection, including this scrimshaw and a frigate, plus take a peek at the transcription of the Nathaniel Rayment diary.

🎟️ Individual and discounted bundle tickets available! Reserve your spot: https://givebutter.com/sail-through-history-k5bzgb

10/10/2026

Our family friendly Slightly Spooky Square House returns on October 23rd and 24th from 5:00 to 7:30 each night.

Appropriate for younger ages, other worldly travelers are awaking from their 200 year slumber. A pirate crew and spiders den to name a few!

All children must be accompanied by an adult. $25 per family - pay at door.

10/08/2026

Step into the world of Revolutionary-era privateers!

Join Rye Historical Society for a special weekend exploring the daring sailors who helped turn the tides of the American Revolution—from Eric Jay Dolin’s fascinating talk on Friday, October 16, to an exclusive tour aboard the Tall Ship Lynx on Saturday, October 17. 🇺🇸

Two unforgettable experiences. One thrilling chapter of American history. 🌊

🎟️ Tickets available for individual events or as a discounted bundle. Don’t miss the adventure!

Visit https://givebutter.com/sail-through-history-k5bzgb

10/06/2026

What a wonderful night! 🍂✨ The Rye Historical Society’s Fall Celebration & Benefit was truly one to remember—and that beautiful weather made the postponement well worth the wait!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. Your support, enthusiasm, and love for Rye’s history made the evening so special. ❤️

And a very special thank you to our generous sponsors and donors. We couldn’t have made this unforgettable evening happen without you!

Here’s to preserving Rye’s history and celebrating its future together! 🥂

09/30/2026

09/29/2026

THE AUCTION IS LIVE!
The Rye Historical Society's Fall Celebration & Benefit is this Saturday, October 3rd (get your tickets now), but the 'Crafted in America' auction is open! It features items created and presented by regional makers and artisans, including American Reclaimed, the Rye Arts Center, Lady Blue Quilts, Stickbulb, The Future Perfect, Robin Henschel, Lorraine Young & Aidan McCaffrey/White Oak Axes.

Other enticing silent auction items include:
*Holiday Tea Party at the Square House
*Orvis Sandanona Sporting Clays experience for two
*One hour parent advising session with Kathleen Brigham, Brigham Learning

Bidding for all Silent Auction items is open NOW -https://givebutter.com/c/RHSFall26/auction

09/25/2026

EDIT: NEW DATE: Sunday, October 4th.

Long before it was a quiet commuter suburb, Rye was a battleground. DJ Hennes, local resident, RHS Board Member and author of Whispers of Liberty, brings to life the whaleboat wars — the brutal, no-quarter guerrilla campaign fought by raiders across Long Island Sound, where Rye residents themselves took up arms in a conflict as vicious as any battlefield of the Revolution.

Brian Carso, lawyer, historian, and author of Gideon’s Revolution, uncovers a story stranger than fiction: George Washington’s secret mission to kidnap the traitor Benedict Arnold and drag him back to face justice.

Together, Hennes and Carso reveal how the messiest, most dangerous truths of the Revolutionary War make for its best stories — and why historical fiction, done right, doesn’t have to choose between accuracy and adrenaline.

RSVP Required: https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/16902278?hs=a

09/24/2026

Fall Celebration: The Party Is Still On - Just A Week Later!

Mother Nature is bringing a nor’easter our way, so for the safety of our guests, we’re postponing this weekend’s Rye Historical Society Fall Celebration.

NEW DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026; 6:30 PM

With live music, dinner by Milton Point Provisions, craft liquor tastings from G. Griffin W**e & Spirits, and the Crafted in America auction featuring incredible makers and artisans, we hope you’ll save the new date and join us for an evening worth celebrating!