Rye400 Message

Dear Rye Residents,

As we approach the end of this remarkable year, I am honored to write this letter on behalf of the Rye400 Committee, reflecting on the incredible journey we’ve shared throughout 2023. 

The Rye400 Committee was formed by the Rye Historical Society, at the request of the Town of Rye. It has been our privilege to plan and offer more than 60 programs and events that reflect the diverse and long history of our town. Those activities ranged from historic lectures and walks, trolley & Shoals tours, beach clean-ups and athletic events, to Rye Day, founding-family reunions, a historic home tour, holiday tree lighting, art shows and educational programs for our Rye students to name a few. These events acknowledged our Indigenous, European and enslavement roots as well as the environmental, economic, and social realities of fishing, farming, tourism, and community activism. As a result, we believe we achieved our goal to strengthen the bonds with the community, our history and each other. 

One of the most heartwarming outcomes of our collective efforts was the financial support we were able to provide to Rye's educational institutions. Several events raised funds for not only field trips to the Seacoast Science Center for Rye students and  classroom art programs, but also for the installation of a new 2024, accessible playground at the Rye Elementary School.

In addition to the many memories and photographs, we are excited to announce that this year-long celebration will culminate in the dedication of a Rye400-specific monument that will stand as a permanent testament to our celebration and the history that defines our community. Furthermore, we are committed to distributing any remaining funds from the Rye400 fundraising efforts to several causes that benefit the quality of life in our community. More information is forthcoming.

None of it would've been possible without the support of our Town, generous individual donors, community-minded local businesses, and a host of dedicated volunteers. To all of them, too many to list, we say THANK YOU! In addition, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Rye Historical Society and members of the Rye400 Committee, who worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring these programs to you. It is they, who through their unwavering support, dedication, and enthusiasm, made it happen on the community's behalf. 

Rye's legacy is something we all share, and it is our collective responsibility to protect, honor and preserve it for generations to come.

Thank you for an extraordinary year, and here's to an even brighter future for the Town of Rye. Onward and upward!

With heartfelt appreciation,

Andy Stecher

Chair, Rye400 Committee