Rye Historical Society - NH

08/27/2026

We still have room on our last Historic Trolley Tour of the year! We always get people who ask if we are having any more after the last one. Don't let that be you!

This 2 hr. tour explores the rich history of Rye Beach north to Odiorne Point, with stops along the way.

08/27/2026

Did we run out of your size at the Farmers Market? 😬

This post is for you!

A handful of folks stopped by our booth looking for Rye USA and Rye Historical Society shirts, only to discover we didn't have their size left. Good news: you can now order your favorite design online in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes!

🛍️ Shop online here, and it will be delivered to you: https://rye-historical-society-olde-s.myspreadshop.com/

And while we're at it... wasn't the Farmers Market a blast? Thanks to everyone who stopped by to chat, browse, share stories, and show some Rye pride. If you know someone who missed out on a shirt, give this post a share so they can snag one too!



p.s. The Rye Museum, 10 Olde Parish Road, Rye, NH is open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon and we'd LOVE to see YOU!

08/25/2026

Join Us at the Rye Farmer’s Market by the Sea!

The Rye NH Historical Society will be at Goss Farm this Wednesday, August 26, from 2:30 - 7 PM, and we’d love to see you there!

This year holds special meaning for us - we’re proudly celebrating 50 years since our founding in 1976! 🎉
Five decades of preserving Rye’s rich history, honoring our heritage, and bringing our community together.

Come stroll the market for fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, and seafood straight from the Seacoast - all in the beautiful, historic setting of Goss Farm. Stop by our table to say hello, learn about our work, and help us remember the roots that make Rye so special.

(Ask us about The Battle at Rye Harbor in 1812 and the role the Goss family played in it.)

There’s no better place to connect with neighbors, celebrate our shared story, and enjoy a summer afternoon by the sea.

📍 Goss Farm, 251 Harbor Road, Rye, NH
🗓️ Wednesday, August 26 | 2:30 – 7 PM

Meet us there — we can’t wait to see you!

08/22/2026

Do you take photos of our beautiful seacoast community of Rye? The Rye Historical Society (RHS), as part of its support of Rye300, is hosting an exhibition of contemporary photographs taken by local-area photographers — amateurs, professionals, you!

It will run from October 24 - November 28, 2026, in the and will open in conjunction with a new book of vintage photographs - “Rye Through the Lens” - from the RHS collection, compiled and edited by RHS Collections Chair Lew Karabatsos for .

Although it’s a non-competitive show, community attendees will be able to vote for their favorite Rye photograph.

Do you have some photos you’d like to share? Please contact us with your interest @ [email protected] for more details and a submission form.

(Photo image above courtesy of Garritt Toohey © )

08/21/2026

August 20, Rye Historical Society - NH concluded its last 2026 Isles of Shoals Tour season with another sold-out excursion, and what a spectacular day it was!

More than 40 participants joined us as we crossed the Gulf of Maine under beautiful summer skies to explore the remarkable history, scenery, and natural beauty of the Isles of Shoals.

Our day included docents’ guided visits to Appledore Island and Star Island, where we wandered through Celia Thaxter’s famous garden, visited the Shoals Marine Laboratory, explored the historic Oceanic Hotel and the remnants of Gosport Village, enjoyed breathtaking ocean views, and even had the opportunity to see some of the islands’ incredible wildlife up close. Along the way, we shared stories spanning more than 400 years- from Captain John Smith’s 1614 voyage, when he named them the Smith Isles, to the fishermen, poets, artists, and scientists who have all left their mark on these remarkable islands.

A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding guides, Shoals Marine Laboratory, Ann Beattie, Joe Watts, our wonderful hosts on Appledore and Star Island, our boat crew, and especially to everyone who joined us and made the day so enjoyable. Your enthusiasm for local history is what makes these tours so special.

We are already looking forward to returning to the Isles of Shoals next summer. If you missed this year’s tours, we hope you’ll join us in 2027 for another unforgettable adventure!

Thank you for supporting the Rye NH Historical Society and helping us preserve and share the rich history of our Seacoast.

08/19/2026

Think you know Rye? 👀

This new video from New England Curiosities explores history, back roads, and coastal stories of Rye. Worth a watch for locals and history lovers alike.

*Not created by Rye Historical Society (but we are mentioned!) Just sharing!

p.s. The Spicy Shark's JAWS-related vehicle even makes an appearance. Can you spot it?

Rye, New Hampshire is more than its beautiful beaches.In this 48-...

08/06/2026

Cheers to a Saturday celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for our 150-year-old neighbors, St Andrews By The Sea, Rye Beach, NH, 30 Church Road, Rye Beach!

tag: New Hampshire Public Radio

St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Rye Beach held its first service in the summer of 1876. The historic chapel was built for $4,000.

08/05/2026

We love history trivia!

Ok all history buffs…answers to Round Three are as follows:
Why was St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea built as a summer-only chapel?
By the mid 1860’s there were such an influx of summer residents that they banded together to establish an Episcopal church.

The chapel bell was donated but what had to happen before the full swing of the bell was possible?
The bell was too big for it’s tower so the tower had to be enlarged. That didn’t happen until the turn of the century…in 1900 to be exact.

Here are our final questions.
7. What is the significance of the Landscape Window, the 9 foot round window in the front of the chapel?
8. What are the elements that combine to make the chapel a special place of peace and tranquility?
9. What do children like most about the chapel?

Join us this Saturday, August 8 to find out the answers to these next questions. That's when we will be celebrating our 150 summers with tours, more history, music, and food. Docents will be on hand from 10am - 1pm to discuss and share all kinds of fun and interesting historic notes about this wonderful chapel.
, , Rye Historical Society - NH

08/05/2026

🌊 A rare opportunity to experience the Isles of Shoals!

Join the Rye Historical Society on Thursday, August 20 for a guided day trip to Appledore and Star Island—an experience that's not available through standard commercial tours.

Join us to tour the islands with historical narration by Isles of Shoals historian Ann Beattie. We will leave and return to Rye Harbor on the Shining Star.

Ticket includes boat ride, narration and tour of each island, and an opportunity to deboard at both Appledore and Star Islands.

⚓ 1-6 p.m.

🎟️ Advance registration is required. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

We can't wait to share this unforgettable journey through one of New England's most historic and beautiful places with you.

A Trip to Isles of Shoals: History experienced - Appledore and Star Island - Rain or Shine!