Prelude to the Revolution in a New York Town In-Person / Online
On July 11, 1776. Rye resident John Thomas Jr. read the Declaration of Independence publicly from the footsteps of the White Plains Courthouse. This launched New York’s formal participation in the Revolution. The excitement around the news is part of a familiar narrative of American colonists unifying around a common cause to seek independence from Great Britain. A deeper analysis into the history of the colonial period prior to the Revolution, though, uncovers a much more complicated story. The Town of Rye personified this complexity given its location as a border town and the heritage of its people. Join us on February 1 at 3pm at the Rye Free Reading Room to hear Rye resident, Lear Beyer, discuss the unique history of Rye leading up to the Revolution.
Visual Image - First Public Reading in New York of the Declaration of Independence in White Plains on July 11, 1776
- Date:
- Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Time:
- 3:00pm - 4:30pm
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Meeting Room
- Audience:
- Adults Children Teens
- Categories:
- Special Event