Rye Historical Society - NH

06/03/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆

Outstanding!

We expected attendance in the high 40s and were thrilled to welcome more than 60 people, with every seat filled in the Community Meeting Room at the Rye Public Library for the presentation, "Rye's Star Island Connection: The Oceanic Hotel's 150 Years at Sea."

Thank you to everyone who joined us on June 2 for an evening rich with local history, fascinating stories, and community connection. Guests enjoyed learning about the remarkable legacy of the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island and the enduring ties between Star Island and Rye.

A heartfelt thank you to Anne Beattie and Joe Watts for sharing their expertise and bringing this important chapter of Seacoast history to life.

What a wonderful reminder that our community has a deep appreciation for local history—and that a great program can truly fill the room! 🌊📚👏

05/24/2026

Rye Historical Trolley Tour - Celebrating Rye 300 since first town government and USA 250 birthday.

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986319688659?aff=oddtdtcreator

Join us Memorial Day….a few seats still available!

05/24/2026

The event was moved to Rye Junior High due to weather. See you there.

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

Join us!

The first Century Walk, focusing on the 16th Century. The tour will start at the Seacoast Science Center on Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. The walk is limited to 30 people and is free but registration is encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988798718504?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/11/2026

In recognition of Rye’s 300th anniversary as a parish and America’s 250th year as a nation, we thought you’d be interested in the following three, upcoming programs.

Mark your calendars (or register today!) for:

1) The first Century Walk, focusing on the 16th Century. The tour will start at the Seacoast Science Center on Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. The walk is limited to 30 people and is free but registration is encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988798718504?aff=oddtdtcreator

2) Rye Historic Trolley Tour starting at the Rye Town Museum on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. Fee: $35/person. Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986319688659?aff=oddtdtcreator

3) Lecture: Rye’s Star Island Connection: The Oceanic Hotel’s 150 Years at Sea at the Rye Public Library on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The presentation is free but, due to limited seating, registration is encouraged at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989181517466?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/04/2026

Join The Rye Historical Society on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at the Rye Public Library from 6-7:30 p.m. for “Rye’s Star Island Connection: The Oceanic Hotel’s 150 Years at Sea,” presented by Anne Beattie and Joe Watts.

Information: https://ryepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/star-island-150th-anniversary/

Learn the fascinating history of the grand Oceanic Hotel on Star Island, part of Rye, NH - one of New England’s last remaining Victorian-era resort hotels.

Discover the clever scheme that sparked its creation and the spirited rivalry with the famed Appledore House just across the harbor, as hundreds once packed their trunks to summer at the Isles of Shoals.

Hear how devastating fires destroyed both hotels, and marvel at the ingenuity that led to the Oceanic’s rebirth, preserving its legacy on storied Star Island.

Today, visitors continue to be drawn by the island’s natural beauty and enduring sense of place. Ongoing sustainability and preservation efforts on Star Island ensure that this remarkable setting, and the Oceanic itself, will be a protected part of the Rye community for generations to come.

🌊 Anne Beattie is an educator with a fascination for the Isles of Shoals and its rich history
🌊 Joe Watts is the Chief Executive Officer of Star Island Corporation

Information: https://ryepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/star-island-150th-anniversary/

Community Meeting Room, Rye Public Library, 581 Washington Road, Rye, NH
No registration required

❤️