For the third time in three years, a Rye Historical Society executive director has stepped down from the role. Sophia N. Johnson, who was announced as director in February, held the position for less than three months.
“With respect to Dr. Sophia Johnson’s departure, she stepped down as executive director to spend more time with her children and family,” said Allison Young, secretary of the Rye Historical Society board of trustees. “The entire board of trustees is extremely thankful for her contributions and excited to continue the projects that she initiated during her time with the Rye Historical Society.”
Johnson joined the Rye Historical Society on Jan. 5 and was publicly announced as executive director on Feb. 3. Anne Gold was executive director from September 2023 to March 2025, when she left to become executive director of the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District. Before Gold, Sheri Jordan served as director for 18 years before stepping down in April 2023.
Asked when the board will begin looking for Johnson’s replacement, Young said, “The search for great people who want to support the Rye Historical Society mission, whether in a staff capacity or as a volunteer, never stops.”
Prior to her arrival in Rye, Johnson led Columbia University’s Program for Economic Research. She also taught at New York University, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and Seton Hall University’s School of Diplomacy and International Affairs.
“I am deeply honored to serve alongside an extraordinary team of dedicated professionals whose care, expertise, and vision guide this work every day,” Johnson said when she accepted the position. “I look forward to serving our ever-broadening audiences while preserving the Rye Historical Society’s unique character.”
This year will be especially busy for the Rye Historical Society. In addition to the organization’s typical responsibilities as the city’s archivist, and running the Timothy Knapp House and the Square House Museum, two historic Rye sites, there is additional fanfare for America’s semiquincentennial of freedom.
Revolutionary Rye 250 is a committee of the Rye Historical Society, committed to researching, preserving, and celebrating the unique heritage of Revolutionary Era history, with a special emphasis on the local Rye narrative.
“With so much happening and the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution this year, it is a great time for the community to visit the Rye Historical Society,” Young said. “We are always on the lookout for people interested in becoming involved whether via education, events, or fundraising so we hope people will keep us top of mind as they seek volunteer and giving opportunities.”
