Exhibition Open: March 21, 2025 - March 27, 2026
The Unforgiving Yardstick exhibition tells the stories of ten women whose lives span over 300 years, from the 1700s through today. One of these ten women is Peg Lyon, whose story is the earliest in the exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into the life of an enslaved woman during the American Revolution—a time when the ideals of liberty and freedom were widely proclaimed but not extended to all.
Who Was Peg Lyon?
Born in 1770, Peg was enslaved by the powerful Lyon and Merritt families in Greenwich and Rye. As revolutionaries fought for independence, she remained in bondage, hearing stories of liberty while being denied her own. Unlike many who were enslaved for life, Peg’s story took a different path—she was emancipated in 1800, at the age of 30. Her legacy continued through her descendants, who went on to become landowners, skilled tradesmen, church founders, and Underground Railroad activists, ensuring that her struggle and perseverance were not forgotten.
From Enslavement to Freedom: A Look into the Historical Archives
On display are two extraordinary original documents that reveal the personal history of Peg Lyon (1770–before 1830), one of the ten women featured in this exhibition.
📜 Bill of Sale (1785) – This rare document records the sale of 20-year-old Peg from Daniel Lyon to Nathaniel Merritt for fifty pounds of New York currency—equivalent to about $15,000 today. Unlike many similar records, which often omit names, this bill of sale identifies her as Margaret (Peg) Lyon, acknowledging her individuality and significance.
📜 Manumission Papers (1800) – Dated April 12, 1800, this document marks the moment Peg was legally freed from slavery. Upon gaining her freedom, she married Anthony Green and chose to be known as Margaret Green, reclaiming her identity.
These documents capture defining moments in a life shaped by oppression and resilience. Peg’s story—one of survival, strength, and legacy—helped shape the first Free Black settlement in Greenwich, the A.M.E. Church, and the abolitionist movement. Visit the exhibition to view these rare historical documents and learn more about Peg Lyon’s remarkable journey..
Admission is free, but support is appreciated through donations or museum membership.
Become a member here: Rye Historical Society Membership
The Rye Historical Society is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, recognizing its commitment to excellence and best practices in the museum field.
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Photo Caption: Portrait
Painted by Fleur Spolidor
Photographed by Jim Frank
Peg Lyon’s portrait is based on a compilation of several photographs of her descendants, including her 4x great-granddaughter and Rye Historical Society board member, Teresa Vega. Peg was tri-racial, with Munsee Lenape and mixed East and West African ancestry on her maternal side and British ancestry on her paternal side.