Rye Historical Society and Leaders of Tomorrow to Commemorate July 4th with Revolutionary Rye 250 Celebration
July 4, 2024, 10:00 AM | Library Steps, Village Green, and Square, 1 Purchase Street, Rye, NY 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Guided Tours of the Square House Inn and Tavern Museum
The Rye Historical Society, in collaboration with Leaders of Tomorrow, proudly announces a special event on July 4th to honor American independence, highlighting Rye’s pivotal role. The program is led by the Leaders of Tomorrow Educational Enrichment Organization, which founded this annual observance originally held on the steps of City Hall by then Mayor John Carey.
Over the past 20 years, the program has included opportunities for local residents to deliver impactful portions of speeches, poems, and songs that symbolize our path towards “a more perfect union.” This year’s program is especially significant as we embrace the 250 years since the Stamp Act of Parliament was implemented, when some Rye residents began to take sides over future issues concerning rights and protections within the Colony of New York. This year, the program will include an assortment of historic speeches and at least five presenters in character, including Ebeneezer Haviland and Victoria Woodhull, the first female presidential candidate, along with four other presidential candidates from the most controversial election in U.S. history. The program will continue with the reading of the body of the Declaration of Independence, with audience participants recounting the 27 grievances against Great Britain, Parliament, and King George. It will conclude with the unfurling of the historic 48-star flag of the American Legion Post 93, while the public engages in patriotic singing.
Join us as we honor Rye's unique role in shaping America's path to independence and celebrate the spirit of patriotism that continues to inspire us all.
About the July 4 Leaders of Tomorrow Event: It was created by then-Mayor John Carey, who wrote a new version of “Rye Between the Lines” about aspects of Rye before and during the War for Independence each year from 1974 to 1983. After a hiatus of more than 20 years, Judge Carey and Douglas Carey of Leaders of Tomorrow revived the program in 2004 to educate and remind residents of all ages about the importance of learning, understanding, and reflecting on our path over the past 250 years since the Rye Resolutions were written. Although it is not an official City of Rye observance, it is fittingly organized and presented by local residents, most of whom are longtime volunteers of Leaders of Tomorrow programs.
Over the past 20 years, the program has included opportunities for local residents to deliver impactful portions of speeches, poems, and songs that symbolize our path towards “a more perfect union.” This year’s program is especially significant as we embrace the 250 years since the Stamp Act of Parliament was implemented, when some Rye residents began to take sides over future issues concerning rights and protections within the Colony of New York. This year, the program will include an assortment of historic speeches and at least five presenters in character, including Ebeneezer Haviland and Victoria Woodhull, the first female presidential candidate, along with four other presidential candidates from the most controversial election in U.S. history. The program will continue with the reading of the body of the Declaration of Independence, with audience participants recounting the 27 grievances against Great Britain, Parliament, and King George. It will conclude with the unfurling of the historic 48-star flag of the American Legion Post 93, while the public engages in patriotic singing.