Lafayette’s visit to Rye 200 years ago, the role of the sea in shaping the town’s character, and ornate butterfly hand fans are some of the current and upcoming exhibits at the Rye Historical Society, as the organization celebrates its 60th year.
The society provided a presentation in February on the early history of Rye, an exploration of the vibrant heritage of Native Americans who once lived here. A recording of the presentation by Rye resident and RHS board member Joie Cooney may be viewed online at www. https://www.ryehis- tory.org/native-americans.
More events highlighting Rye’s history and culture intended to interest both the broad population as well as youngsters are planned at the at the Square House Museum on city history throughout the year.
The newest, which began on is April 12 and will run through Aug. 16, is “The Nation’s Guest: Celebrating Lafayette’s Return.” It honors the 200th anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s 1824-25 tour of the United States, which included a stop in Rye.
It explores the impact of his commitment to the American Revolution, his friendship with George Washington, and his crucial role in guiding the American victory over the British. It showcases museum quality panels on loan to the historical society alongside artifacts and narratives from the museum’s collection. For August, there are plans for a reenactment of Lafayette’s visit here.
Another exhibit, “Rye: A Coastal Community,” open until Sept. 15, focuses on how Rye’s location on Long Island Sound helped form the city – geographically, historically, industrially, and socially, as well as the recreational attraction of Rye’s beaches, hotels, amusement parks, and water sports. It includes a scavenger hunt for children.
In mid-May, the historical society’s exhibit “Fantastic Butterflies: Decorative Victorian Hand-fans” will open, showcasing ornate hand fans from the Victorian era accompanied by an exploration into their intriguing secret knowledge. It will be in conjunction with Rye Arts Center’s annual unveiling of their butterfly sculptures on the Village Green on Wednesday, May 15. The historical society exhibit will be accompanied by several family-craft activities.
Among special scheduled events are: • On May 9, the historical society’s Annual Spring Luncheon and Boutique at Shenorock Shore Club, with author Allison Pataki discussing her novel “Finding Margaret Fuller,” imagining the life of the forgotten leading lady.
• On June 14, the society’s 60th anniversary evening, “Swanky Shindig” celebration honoring former historical society Executive Director Susie Morison, also at Shenorock. Ongoing at the Square House,
the earliest part of which was built as a home in 1730, are opportunities to see:
• The colonial Entry Hall where most visitors would have entered over the museum’s history.
• The Tavern Room in colonial times (for men only then).
• The Warming Kitchen, where clothing was washed, candles made, spinning and weaving took place, and food was pre- pared and preserved.
• The Council Room, added in the 1780s, which was the municipal hall from 1904 to 1964.
• An example of a bedroom in colonial times (quite different from today’s).
The Square House, at 1 Purchase St., is open 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays. More information may be found at htps://www.ryehistory.org, or at 914-967-7588.
