As we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, our Revolutionary Rye 250 initiative is deepening our understanding of this pivotal time in American history and the role Rye had to play in it. Our committee contributes to several community-driven events focused on American history; this webpage houses the details of prior and upcoming RR250 events.

RR250 Preservation Tree Initiative

By Paul Hicks ( Click here for full article - The Rye Record)

As part of the plans for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence on July 4, 2026, the Revolutionary Rye 250 Committee has begun the “RR250 Preservation Tree Initiative.” The goal is to identify many trees that qualify for listing in the Rye Preservation Tree Registry, maintained by the Rye Sustainability Committee, as described below… Residents, whether homeowners or renters, are encouraged to submit a RR250 Preservation Tree form (see details below), identifying trees in Rye that are known or believed to be at least 200 years old, except invasive species (Norway Maple and Tree of Heaven). RR250 Committee members are also working with public partners in Rye to identify qualifying trees that are growing on city, school, club, park, and other properties.

On July 4, 2026, the RR250 Committee will announce which trees, aged 200 years and older, have been added to the Rye Preservation Tree Registry that will contain information about their location, species and ages.

Following are some guidelines for determining the approximate age of a tree, beside consulting a professional arborist:

• Determine its species by taking a photo of a leaf or bark and using an app like PictureThis or Lens for identification. It is best to measure when there are leaves on the tree.

• Use a tape to measure its circumference around the trunk (CF) about 4.5 feet from the ground; then calculate its diameter (DI) in inches by dividing the CF by pi (3.14).

• Multiply the DI by the growth factor (GF) of the tree, which is based on the average growth rate of a particular tree species under typical conditions. Among the best online apps for finding growth factors is MY TREE ID. Note that differences can vary within similar species, e.g., a faster growing Silver maple has a lower GF (3.0) while a slower growing Sugar maple has a higher GF (5.5). For example: assume the CF of a Sugar maple is 133 inches and, when divided by 3.14 (pi), its DI is 42.4 and when that is multiplied by 5.5 (GF), its estimated age is 233 years.

Contact pdefhicks@gmail.com for RR250 Preservation Tree Forms and for any other information. The forms can also be obtained at the office of the Rye City Clerk in City Hall as well as submitted there.

If you want to become a steward of a Rye 250 Oak sampling fill out adoption form here. We anticipate that they will be ready for pick-up in October 2025. Before you do, please keep in mind the following:

1. We would like your decision to plant an oak to be a long-term commitment to grow an oak. We can help you pick the best spot and even help you answer whether an oak is right for your property.

2. Along with your oak sapling, you will receive a protective sleeve to help the sapling survive its first few years.  With your help we will recycle these sleeves after you are done.  The sleeve will stop rabbits and deer from eating the samplings leaves.  It will also help the tree grow upwards and fend for itself. We estimate that it will take 3 years to reach a state mature enough to not need a sleeve.

3. We are trying to build a community of people committed to preserving our oaks.   While you don't have to participate in the community, we will ask that you send pictures and report back on the health of the tree, and agree to display your tree on a digital map of sapling locations.

Framing the Constitution: From Crisis to Closure (RR250)

• Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM 5:00 PM - Rye Free Reading Room

In the midst of the American Revolution, the Continental Congress wrote the Articles of Confederation and formed our first government. But within a few short years, turmoil and dissatisfaction reigned supreme. Watch Rye Country Day Upper School Humanities Chair Clemmie Everett and a group of high school students vigorously debate whether our new country should remain a loose confederation of independent states or whether it should create a strong central government.  You be the judge! Join us on September 21 at 3 PM at the Rye Free Reading Room to hear the arguments and decide our fate.

RVSP is Required please use; https://ryelibrary.libcal.com/event/14797888

Virtual Book Talk: 1774, Reflections on a Long Year of Revolution
May 9, 2024

In collaboration with the Rye Reading Room and the Institute of History, Archaeology, and Education, esteemed historian and author Dr. Mary Beth Norton delivered a virtual discussion about the often-overlooked year of 1774. This pivotal period in American Revolution was marked by stirrings of resistance and dissent.

A fascinating discourse and discussion led by Pam McGuire, co-chairman of the Rye Historical Society’s Revolutionary 250 Committee followed Dr. Norton’s remarks. Pam delved into Rye’s significance in 1774, a time when Dr. Haviland, a prominent member of the Rye community, spearheaded efforts as town supervisor, town clerk, and leader of the Rye Patriots. Learned about the pivotal meeting held on August 10, 1774, likely at the Square House, in response to the Boston Tea Party, and the formation of a committee supporting the Continental Congress in Philadelphia and protested taxation without representation

If you couldn’t make it to the event and are interested in learning more about this period in American history, Dr. Mary Beth Norton’s book focused on it is available in the Square House Museum gift shop. You may also view the PowerPoint of the event agenda here.