The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding will be celebrated throughout the country on July 4, 2026. And last year, the Rye Historical Society formed a Revolutionary Rye 250 steering committee to build awareness of significant aspects of the revolutionary period in the Rye area, especially among younger audiences.
“By engaging various stakeholders-including residents, educators, the business community, students, and policymakers — RR250 seeks to foster a connection with our collective history,” states the historical society’s website.
During the revolutionary period (which effectively lasted from 1774 to 1783), what was then the town of Rye was considered “neutral ground” between the “loyalists” and “patriots.” As a result, the area was left open to marauding and pillaging by both sides.
There is much more to be told about people and groups who have been missing from previous historical accounts.
Residents of Rye and adjacent areas, which were all formerly part of the town of Rye, can periodically check the Rye Historical Society for general information as well as updates on RR250 events and programs.
Topics that the steering committee is considering:
- Native Americans in Rye
- A Heritage Tree Contest
- Slavery in My Neighborhood
- Rye as “Neutral Ground”
- The first recorded resistance by Rye residents
- Grace Church (Christ’s Church) during the Revolutionary War era
- Commerce and Banking during the Revolutionary era
- Judge John Thomas and his family
- Black Loyalists and Patriots
- The Presbyterian Church during the Revolutionary War era
- Rye’s rebuilding and recovery after the Revolutionary War
In its planning, the RR250 committee is working closely with the Revolutionary Westchester 250 committee, whose website is also worth checking, especially to view the video series on its own YouTube channel.
One of those series of brief videos explores the fascinating revolutionary history of five special sites across Westchester County: Verplanck’s Point, Philipse Manor Hall, Tarrytown’s Patriots Park, the village of Bedford, and Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters.
Over the next two years, much more will be announced about events and programs in Rye and around Westchester. One possibility is a repeat of a visit by tall ships from around the world that was a highlight of the Bicentennial.
While New York City will be a focus for those vessels in celebrations culminating on July 4, 2026, RW250 is working to have selected vessels sail up the Hudson River immediately after the New York City event.
If that plan succeeds, Rye and other sound shore communities would be able to watch selected ships sailing up Long Island Sound in advance of the celebration in New York on July 4 in 2026.
