History Highlights
First Annual Bird Day
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the Bird Homestead & Meeting House Conservancy is hosting Bird Day in honor of Henry Bird’s birthday, reviving a longstanding Bird family tradition with an “open homestead.” Volunteers have been working hard to clean up the property so that the full 2 acres is available to discover and explore for everyone. Festivities begin at 2 p.m., and members of the Bird Family will be in attendance to tell stories of their family history.
The Bird Homestead Conservancy will also show home videos from the 1940s and 1950s, which give visitors a glimpse of how the property will look once the landscape renovation is complete.
At 3 p.m., there will be a screening of Save the Sound’s new documentary, “Reconnected: Restoring the Rivers of Long Island Sound,” which includes references to the Blind Brook estuary behind the homestead. Light refreshments will be served.
Cost: Free
The Skinny House – A Family Memoir
Julie Seely and Dev Seely, descendants of Nathan Seely, the African American builder of the Skinny House in Mamaroneck, will discuss the history of the 10-foot-wide house, now on the National Register of Historic Places, on Oct. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Jay Heritage Center.
Julie Seely’s memoir will serve as a starting point for the discussion, with topics covering the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and the Great Depression.
The talk will be followed by a Q&A and reception.
Cost: Free (Registration required)
The Women of Pioneers of American TV
The early days of TV were dominated by men on the small screen, but a surprising number of women left their mark, unusual for industries in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
On Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m., speaker and author Evan Weiner will share his knowledge of radio and TV history at the Rye Free Reading Room, focusing on the topic of women in the early days of television. Weiner has appeared on many New York news shows as well as the History Channel, and he is the author of 14 books about the business and politics of sports as well as books about popular culture.
Cost: Free
Outdoor Education
Final Fall Seining
Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary invites visitors to take part in the final seining session of the year on Oct. 12, 1-2:30 p.m. The focus of this session is the pros and cons of invasive plant species and basic techniques for controlling them. Participants should bring gloves. Other tools will be provided.
Cost: Free
All Creatures Small, All Creatures Tall
With autumn in full swing, visitors will be led through a seasonal changing of the guard by exploring the tree leaves and their surroundings.
This program meets at the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary Visitor Center on Oct. 19, 1-2:30 p.m. Hand lenses will be provided.
Cost: Free
Leaf ID Hike and Craft
Participants can learn the difference between a maple leaf and an aak leaf, or a sassafras and hickory. On Oct. 26 from 12:30-1:30 p.m., a Friends of Rye Nature Center naturalist will lead this hike and leaf peep at the Rye Nature Center. Families welcome and Forest School alumni are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $15/family
Plant Propagation and Division
Saving seeds and learning how and when to propagate your perennial plants can help you cultivate gardens with your favorite species and save money.
On Oct. 20 from 2-3 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension in Westchester County will lead a session at the Jay Heritage Center to help participants better understand these skills.
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Arts
Rich Soil by Kristine Mays
The Jay Heritage Center is showcasing the work of fine art sculptor Kristine Mays, on display in the Jay Estate Gardens until Nov. 17. Mays breathes life into wire as she creates human forms that dance, grieve, hope, and pray. Her figures resurrect the narratives of women and men whose strength and resilience have been forgotten.
The Jay Heritage Center is a member of New York State’s “Path Through History” and Westchester County’s “African American Heritage Trail.”
The gardens are open to visitors on Thursdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Polymer Clay Unicorns
By sculpting simple shapes and joining them together, children will use polymer clay to make a beautiful unicorn. Unicorns can be baked at home with simple instructions included with each project.
This workshop takes place in two sessions on Oct. 19 at the Rye Arts Center. Session 1 for 5-8 year-olds is 2-3 p.m., and Session 2 for 9-12 year-olds is 3-4 p.m.
Cost: $35
Gourd and Glass: An Autumn Glass Painting (BYOB)
This session at the Rye Arts Center on Oct. 24, 6:30-9 p.m., leads painters through the technique of painting on glass. Using layering techniques, artists will create flowers and pumpkins in rich autumn colors with the luminosity of glass. No experience is necessary.
Cost: $65; Ages 21+
Clue: On Stage
Rye High School’s Parsons Street Players present their fall performance, “Clue: On Stage.” The performances will take place in the Rye High School Performing Arts Center on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: $5/students; $10/adults; Free for senior citizens
Community Events
Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade
As the seasonal celebrations unfold, Playland is hosting its “Howl-O-Ween” Pet Parade on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 12-2 p.m. on Playland’s boardwalk and beach. Pet owners are encouraged to dress up their pets in their spookiest or silliest costumes. Owners can have fun dressing up as well.
Walter’s hot dog food truck will also be parked on the boardwalk.
Cost: Free
Kiddyland Fall Fun Weekends
Playland will welcome guests to enjoy Kiddyland, providing extra access to rides and select food vendors, during the final three weekends of October. This is the first time these rides have been open and available during fall weekends. The weekend dates and times are Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 12-6 p.m.
Cost: $15/person; free for 2024 season pass holders
Halloween Window Painting
Visit downtown Rye on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. to see the Halloween Painting festivities along Purchase Street. Local students work in pairs to decorate the many store windows throughout the community.
This event is sponsored by the Rye Recreation Department and the Women’s Club of Rye/Children’s Philanthropy, and is a longstanding Halloween tradition.
Cost: Free
Cell Phones in Schools
Sacred Heart Greenwich’s parent speaker series features Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, a clinical psychologist. As more schools are moving towards cell phone free policies to reduce distractions and enhance learning environments, there are some emerging trends to be aware of.
Nesi’s presentation will include the latest research on social media, smartphone use, and common digital challenges our children and teens face today. Additionally, Nesi will explore science-backed tips for managing tech use at home, as well as strategies for supporting youth self-esteem and mental health.
The event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Greenwich.
Cost: Free