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Education

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NEW! EDUCATION RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING | SQUARE HOUSE PROGRAMS | ONLINE RESOURCES |

TRAVELING TRUNKS | OUTDOOR PROGRAMS | SUMMER CAMP

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. Please email Anne Gold at anne.gold@ryehistory.org to learn more about our scheduled educational programs, led by our knowledgeable instructors and curators.

 

NEW! Educational resources and Programming

 

Spotlight on History: James Armistead Lafayette

In this educational resource, students can learn about James Armistead Lafayette, a double agent for the Patriots, and his involvement in working with both George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette to win the struggle during the Revolutionary War. Includes a presentation and a few educational activities for the classroom.

 

Spotlight on History: Hercules Posey

Students can learn about Hercules Posey, George Washington’s presidential chef who ran the kitchen at Mount Vernon and the president’s home in Philadelphia.

Programs at the Square House

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We are currently in the process of refreshing and redesigning our educational programs to better meet the needs and interests of your students. While some new programs are still in development, please call the Square House to find out which offerings are available and best suited for your class. Call (914) 967-7588 and ask for the Education Department.

These educational programs are held at the Square House and are led by one of our knowledgeable instructors. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we continue to enhance our programming!

Tour Only: $200 per class, 1 hour Tour & Activity: $300 per class, 1.5 hours

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Getting A Sense of History

Pre-K - 1 (Available all year)

This program is designed to introduce very young students to the Square House Museum. Children will discover how an 18th-century family lived and worked during this interactive program.

General History Tour

Grades: 2 - 4 (Available all year)

Discover the fascinating history of the Square House. Through their own observations and the use of reproduction objects, students will learn about this noted Purchase Street tavern and the daily life of the Haviland family during the early 1770s.

Colonial Themed Activities

Grades: Pre-K - 4

In addition to the tour of the Square House, teachers can choose one of the following historical activities for their students:

1. Quill pen writing and discussion on 18th-century communication.

2. Exploring 18th-century toys and discussion on the daily life of a colonial child.

Rye In the Revolution

Grade: 4 (Available all year)

Using primary source materials, students will explore the issues that led to the American Revolution and learn how this conflict divided residents of Rye and many Westchester towns. This program includes a discussion about the importance of spies during the Revolution and an activity on secret codes.

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Colonial Life & Spices

Grades: 1 -2 (Available all year)

Students will be introduced to aspects of colonial life in their classroom through 3 activity stations; Herbs & Spices, Writing with a Quill Pen, and Toys & Games. Each station will include reproduction objects for a fun hands-on learning experience.

History Show & Tell

Grades: 1 - 2 (Available all year)

This program allows students to learn about the past by studying early 20th century artifacts from our collection. They will examine and describe the properties of every-day objects used long ago and discover how these items were used. Discussions will help illustrate how life was different for people living in Rye and neighboring communities 100 years ago.

Artifact and Document Study

Grades: 7 – 8; 11 – 12 (Available all year)

During this “moveable museum” program, historic materials from our collection will be brought into the classroom. Students will examine and analyze these fascinating objects which will be used to encourage discussions and develop critical thinking skills. Teachers can choose from a variety of topics including the Colonial Period and Revolutionary War, Civil War, Immigration, and World War II.

Live Virtual Tour

(Available all year)

Live virtual lessons are available on any of the topics above, geared to fit different grade levels.

Fee & Time: $100 per class (45 minutes)

Additional Online Resources

Now more than ever our online educational connections for our schools and families is so important.

 
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Rye History Activity Guide

This local guide to Rye history has activities for elementary school children. With curriculum tie-ins to Native American history, Colonial/Revolutionary War history, and Rye’s evolution as a town, it aligns with New York State Standards for Social Studies.

DOWNLOAD ACTIVITY GUIDE

Virtual Tour of the Square House

Our virtual tour of the Square House offers the opportunity to learn about local colonial history and daily life online. This tour takes visitors through the tavern room, bedrooms, warming kitchen and front hall of the Square House, exploring objects that tell stories about life in Rye and life long ago.

CLICK HERE FOR TOUR

Walk Rye History Signs Tour

Rye Historical Society presents the Walk Rye History Signs Tour! You can walk it virtually online or on foot, as you respect social distancing guidelines.

DOWNLOAD TOURS & MAPS

Slavery In Rye

Grades 6-12 Lesson Plan on “A Story of Northern Slavery” which includes additional educational resources.

READ MORE HERE

War of 1812 Lesson Plan

This lesson explores the War of 1812 and how certain events from that time connect to the present day. It is intended for students in 7th grade and up.

DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN

Old Rye

This presentation is intended for elementary school students (grades K-5) who are exploring community and life long ago. It is full of opportunities to compare and reflect on how Rye has changed over time.

DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION

Tribute to the Civil Rights Movement: Quilted Swing Coats by Patricia A. Montgomery

Many African American women made major contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and their stories are rarely told. Patricia A. Montgomery’s structured swing coats are story quilts telling their stories, created with African American traditional quilting designs and construction techniques.

WATCH PRESENTATION HERE

 

Traveling Trunks

Coming Soon! Exciting News!
Our Traveling Trunks are currently undergoing an exciting refurbishment and will be unavailable during the upcoming school season. We look forward to unveiling the newly revamped trunks in Fall 2025. Stay tuned for updates!

 
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Colonial Heritage Trunk

Grades: 1 - 8 (Available all year)

A steamer-sized trunk full of 18th century reproductions, costumes and activities designed to turn your colonial curriculum into a “hands-on” adventure. Includes a teacher’s guide with suggested classroom activities.

Fee: $150 for two week rental

One-Room School House Trunk

Grades: 1 - 8 (Available all year)

Turn your classroom into a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse! Packed with enough slates, quill pens and ink wells for the whole class. Also includes reproduction Spellers, McGuffey’s Readers, Marmaduke’s Multiplys and a packet of lessons and activities. Includes a teacher’s guide and suggested classroom activities.

Fee: $150 for two week rental

 

OUTDOOR programs

 Available during the Fall and Spring, these programs allow students to see History first hand.  

 
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Walking Tour of Purchase Street

(Available Fall/Spring)

How did Purchase Street get its name? What businesses were here in the early 1900s? Students will explore the tremendous changes that have occurred in Rye’s central business district through reproductions of historic photographs and their own observations. The walking tour will be rescheduled if the weather is inclement. It is recommended that teachers have students bring bottled water.

Fee & Time: $300 per class, 1.5 hours

Outdoor Classroom

(Available Fall/Spring)

For groups interested in an outdoor tour for safety reasons, we are offering a tour on the Village Green and around the outside of the Square House. We can set up tables on the porch for an activity as well.

Tour Only: $200 per class, 1 hour

Tour and Activity: $300 per class, 1.5 hours

 

Vacation Programs

Every year, the Rye Historical Society hosts camps for young historians. Stay tuned to learn more about this summer’s camp theme, as well as upcoming vacation day camps during mid-winter and spring school breaks.