The Rye Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Rye's unique history.
The Rye Historical Society operates two historic sites. The Square House Museum c. 1730 is interpreted as a tavern/inn where visitors can receive free guided tours daily and view changing exhibits. The Knapp House Archives c. 1670 is believed to be the oldest residential structure extant in Westchester County. It houses an extensive archival collection and is also open to the public for research. The Knapp House features changing small exhibits and historic herb gardens.
The Rye Historical Society offers an extensive array of educational programming year-round for all ages.
Please come visit!
For information on the SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM, click here:
Rye Historical Society - Square House Museum
For information on the KNAPP HOUSE ARCHIVES, click here:
Rye Historical Society - Timothy Knapp House
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FOR MORE INFORMATION...
Annual Report
Rye Historical Society - Annual Report
Board of Trustees (see Annual Report)
Calendar of Events
Rye Historical Society - Calendar of Events
Contact Us
Rye Historical Society - Square House Museum
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation
Online Gift Shop
Rye Historical Society - Museum Shop
For information on the Programs and Activities of the Rye Historical Society, please click here. Rye Historical Society - Square House Museum
WELCOME TO THE
SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM
Journey into 18th century America by visiting our 1730 landmark tavern at the Square House Museum. The property dates back to 1675 when the farmer Jacob Pierce was its owner. The present building was erected in 1730 by Peter Brown, a miller. A succession of owners and occupants followed and in 1770 Ebenezer Haviland purchased the property. After his death in the Revolution, his widow, Tamar maintained the property as a tavern. The Square House ceased to be a public house in 1830. In 1903, it was purchased by John E. Parsons, William H. Parsons and John Howard Whittemore who restored it and offered the building to the Village of Rye. In 1964 the Square House was opened to the public as a museum. Thank you for visiting us on the web.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hours of Operation
The Square House Museum, Rye Historical Society offices and Gift Shop are open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You are welcome to a guided or self-guided tour during these hours. The exhibits are also on view during regular office hours.
- Group tours and archival research by appointment.
- Suggested donation is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 per child
See our Calendar or call our office at 914-967-7588 for a listing of current exhibits.
DIRECTIONS
Coming from the North: Route I-95 (New England Thruway) to exit 20. Go right (south) on the Boston Post Rd. Make a right at the second light, onto Purdy Street. Go two blocks and make a left onto Purchase Street. The Square House is at the south end of Purchase Street on the the Village Green.
Coming from the West: Route 287 to Exit 11 (Rye/Port Chester). Go right (south) on the Boston Post Rd. Make a right at the second light, onto Purdy Street. Go two blocks and make a left onto Purchase Street. The Square House is at the south end of Purchase Street on the the Village Green.
Coming from the South: Route I-95 (New England Thruway) to exit 21 (Cottage Street). Make a left onto Midland Avenue and proceed to traffic light. Make a right onto Peck Avenue and follow to the Boston Post Rd. Make a left onto the Post Rd. Just before you reach the second light, take the turn-off to the right, which puts you onto Purchase St. right across from the Square House (by a triangle with a flagpole and memorial).
By Train (North and South): Take Metro North, New Haven Railroad to Rye. Walk 1/4 mile south on Purchase Street. The Square House is at the southern end of Purchase Street on the Village Green, across from City Hall.
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