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Rye Historical Society
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Since 1976, the Rye Historical Society has engaged community members to learn about our little village and its significant role in the history of New Hampshire and the United States.Prior to 1976, there had always been people active in preserving and researching Rye history. The library was the repository of any gifts, artifacts, and printed material. Rye residents have always been very familiar with Langdon Parsons' History of Rye, NH (1623-1903). In particular was William Varrell, who wrote Rye on the Rocks: The Tale of a Town Which Resorted to Resorting. This 1962 informal history of Rye evolved from Bill's interest in Rye's "golden age" of hotels and boarding houses at the turn of the twentieth century. Mr. Varrell also published two other books relating to Rye history. Additionally, Louise Tallman, beginning in the 1960s, did tremendous research over the next half-century.Organizations had always been active in preserving Rye history. In particular was the Every Other Tuesday Club, which sponsored an old house documentation project. The bicentennial in Rye required a permanent legacy "beyond" the great event. And that is when Jessie Herlihy suggested the creation of a historical society. Thus RHS was born in 1976. Collaboration with the Rye Public Library began in 1976 with programs, displays, and storage of documents/artifacts in the MacDonald Room. The Library's New Hampshire Room today is a testament to that history. RHS appreciates the support from the RPL since 1976.
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