Pre-Order Now! Available November 10, 2025

The story of Rye is deeply American, shaped by its strategic coastal location. Native peoples lived here as early as 12,000 years ago, and Europeans arrived in the 1600s, establishing a community of farmers and fishermen. By the Revolutionary War, Rye numbered about 850 residents, some of whom marched on Fort William and Mary in 1774—the war’s first overt act. The 1800s brought tourism and grand hotels, attracting presidents and dignitaries. In 1874, the first successful transatlantic cable came ashore just south of Locke’s Neck. The 20th century saw Rye’s population quintuple, spurred by WWII and steady coastal growth. Yet despite change, the town has preserved its rural character through conservation, historic homes, and winding roads. Today, Rye balances natural beauty with human presence, standing on the shoulders of twenty generations. This book offers a sweeping companion to Langdon Parsons’ 1905 History of Rye, N.H., enriched by contributions from more than twenty voices. Book contains 160 photos and images to illustrate our historical narrative.

About the Author

Born in 1945, Alex Herlihy is a native of Rye and grew up on the Wedgwood Farm on Lang Road, which his parents bought in 1937.

Through his historic house, his town and his mother's interest in Rye's past, he developed an early love for history and taught it, mostly at Oyster River High School in Durham. He is currently Rye’s Town Historian, as well as a charter member of the Rye Historical Society (1976). He has been involved with the Rye Civic League since 1983 and has swerved on several town boards. He and his family are forever grateful to Jessie and Edward Herlihy for giving us the gift of Rye

Join Alex and the Rye Historical Society Board of Directors at an Author Interview and Signing event on November 20, 2025, 6:30 pm, at the Rye Congregational Church located on 580 Washington Road.