The Rye Historical Society is delighted to announce the appointment of Anne Gold as Executive Director. Her arrival couldn’t be better-timed, as the organization is gearing up for its 60th anniversary in 2024.
“Anne brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit work and fundraising,” noted board president Jackie Jenkins. “She will positively impact not only the organization but the community as a whole.”
She served previously in leadership roles at Manhattanville College, the Purchase Environmental Protective Association (PEPA), and the New York Botanical Garden.
Ms. Gold said, “I am deeply honored to become part of this esteemed organization, one that I have long held in high regard. There is so much history to preserve and the Society with its dedication to illuminating the broader tapestry of local history, plays an invaluable role.” She added, “I am excited to connect with the community and solicit ideas on ways we can enrich their engagement.”
During her two decades of dedicated work at PEPA and Manhattanville College, Gold was involved in various initiatives, including a historical preservation campaign at Manhattanville College. This campaign focused on safeguarding open spaces, historic structures, and a remarkable landscape originally designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. As part of this effort, Gold wrote a book, “The History of Ophir Farm and Manhattanville College”, and created an accompanying historical walking tour, which is now designated on the NYS Greenway Trail System. The project revitalized a previously neglected corner of the campus, transforming it into an Environmental Park — a venture led by acclaimed architect Maya Lin, known for her significant contributions to architecture and design, that restored the oldest private chapel in Westchester County.
Ms. Gold’s passion for history and dedication to fostering a sustainable society are grounded in her upbringing in New York’s historic Mohawk Valley. She holds a Master of Science in History from Iona University.
The Rye Historical Society serves as the official archivist for the City of Rye, maintaining a vast collection of over 25,000 documents. The collection includes photographs, maps, books, manuscripts, census data, real estate deals, government reports, and other historical documentation. The organization operates the Square House Museum, a former tavern built in 1730 that hosted George Washington. The museum offers tours of period rooms and changing exhibits, providing the public with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about colonial times in Rye. It is also dedicated to preserving and maintaining the historic Timothy Knapp House, the oldest surviving house in Westchester County.
