Seeking educational offerings that ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and promote active civic engagement? Explore our initiatives at the Rye Historical Society, where we're dedicated to delivering captivating programs and activities that inspire a love for learning. Our continually evolving curriculum materials, combined with on-site guided tours customized for school groups and the rich history of our Square House Museum & Taverns dating back to 1730, aim to spark curiosity, explore diverse historical narratives, and honor those who have shaped our community and nation.
Interested in arranging a tour with hands-on learning activities? We're here to tailor your educational experience to align with your objectives. Contact Natalie Hofstedt at natalie.hofstedt@ryehistory.org to learn more about our scheduled educational programs, led by our knowledgeable instructors and curators.
The Witness Stones Project
The Revolutionary War was fueled by enduring American ideals about freedom, independence, and liberty. As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with RR250, we also grapple with its complex legacy, and remember that the voices of many groups—among them, enslaved people—were shut out of this document’s grand vision. In fact, many of the people who signed the Declaration were enslavers themselves.
As part of our ongoing effort to preserve the history of slavery in our area and reflect on its relevance today, Rye Historical Society and School of the Holy Child began a partnership in 2023 with The Witness Stones Project, a nonprofit initiative that seeks to recognize the history of slavery and honor the humanity of enslaved individuals.
As we consider the work that remains to be done towards creating a truly equitable America, our work with Witness Stones seeks to ensure that the history of enslaved people in the Rye area—their stories, their humanity, and the oppression they experienced—are not forgotten.
Witness Stones: 2024
On May 17, 2024, the second annual Witness Stones Memorialization and Public Ceremony was held to commemorate the life and legacy of Peg Lyon, an enslaved person once forced to work in the Hudson Valley, and who later lived as a free resident of Rye.
The ceremony and installation of a witness stone for Peg Lyon took place at the historic Knapp House, and included remarks from her granddaughter, Teresa Vega. Teresa is also a member of the Rye Historical Society’s Board of Trustees. Additionally, School of the Holy Child students who had spent time studying her life shared their own reflections on what they had learned about Peg Lyon.
Witness Stone commemorating Peg Lyon.
Seventh-grade School of the Holy Child students reflecting on the Witness Stones in the Knapp House garden.
Witness Stones: 2023
April 27, 2023 marked the first Witness Stones Ceremony held by Rye Historical Society and School of Holy Child. The ceremony took place at the Timothy Knapp House, the oldest house in Westchester county which was once owned by the Halsted family. Two individuals named Rose and Jack who were enslaved by the Halsteds in the early 1800s were honored at the ceremony with witness stones bearing their names.
Witness Stones honoring Rose and Jack, who were enslaved at the Knapp House by the Halsted Family.