New Book Celebrates Rye and its People

Rye Historical Society

Ever wonder what Rye and its residents looked like 50 years ago? Or 100 years ago? Since there’s no time machine to take us back, a new book will bring us there through a century of photographs from the archives of the Rye Historical Society (RHS).

The publication, Rye Through the Lens, is a collection of more than 160 black-and-white images compiled and edited by Lew Karabatsos, chair of the Rye Historical Society’s Collections Committee. The photographs, dating from 1880 to 1985, depict fishermen at work, family gatherings, schoolchildren, and farmers in the fields. They also highlight not only families such as the Parsons, Caswells, Philbricks, and Fosses, but also coastalscenes, lifesaving stations, and activity in Rye Harbor that emphasize the town’s enduring relationship with the sea.

“Photography has played an important role in documenting life in Rye,” said Karabatsos. “Beyond the town’s two professional photographers, residents eventually acquired their own cameras and used them to capture everyday moments, creating a visual narrative of Rye over a 100-year period.”

The book is part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series, which celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, and cities across the country. It is also a perfect time to add this volume to the many town histories available to date. “What better way to celebrate the town’s 300th anniversary as a parish, RHS’s 50th anniversary, and the country’s 250th birthday than by shining a spotlight on these amazing images, which serve as another example of our ongoing commitment to preserve, protect, and promote the history of Rye in all its forms?” said Society President Andy Schecter.

Rye Through the Lens will be available in October 2026. To pre-order a copy, please visit www.ryenhhistoricalsociety.org for more information. RHS will also host an interview with author Lew Karabatsos, followed by a book signing, on October 24, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Rye Public Library. Books will be available at the event, and all sales will benefit RHS exclusively. A selection of contemporary images of Rye, taken by local photographers, will be exhibited in conjunction with the event.

The Rye Historical Society, founded in 1976, engages and educates a diverse population in Rye, New Hampshire, about its rich history through programs, collections, and outreach, encouraging everyone to make a personal connection with their community.