The properties
Three adjacent properties owned by the City of Rye and operated by the non-profit Milton Point Conservancy.
In 2008, we worked with the city to purchase the Henry Bird Homestead from the family in order to protect this rare slice of Rye history from development and to promote an interest in historic preservation and the legacies of the Bird family.
Two years later, in 2010, the City asked our committee to take over care of the Meeting House, which the City purchased in 2002 from the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), which is where its name comes from.
Just north of the Meeting House was the site of William Voris’ home and business, which he operated beginning in 1841. As an African American entrepreneur in pre-Civil War America, Mr. Voris’ story is as impressive as it is important to understanding our shared history.
Our plan is to transform these properties into a hands-on center for learning, hosting educational events and providing in-depth coursework in history and the humanities.
The Henry Bird Homestead
Just north of the Meeting House is a cluster of 19th-century farm buildings, which we lovingly refer to as the Henry Bird Homestead, home to many generations of the remarkable Bird family.
The modest Greek Revival house provides a rare glimpse of homestead living with its working barn, woodworking shop, boathouse, and chicken coop.
From this historic home, the extraordinary Bird family embarked on adventures in art, science, literature, and conservation that covered thousands of miles, delved millions of years back in time, and literally rewrote the history books.
William Voris Archaeological Site
Nestled between the Meeting House to the south and the Henry Bird Homestead to the north are the original foundations of what we now call the William Voris Archaeological Site.
Following the fourth phase of the dig in Spring of 2026, it is our intent to create a self-guided walking tour of the Voris property, indicating where the home stood, including interpretive signs telling the story of this important member of 19th-century Milton Hamlet.
An exhibit of the finds from the four digs will be presented inside the Rye Meeting House, including a detailed history of William, his family, and his businesses.
The Rye Meeting House
During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Rye Meeting House on Milton Road was integral to the life of the surrounding village. Initially a one-room schoolhouse, it was moved to its present location in 1867 and transformed into an Episcopal chapel by Christ’s Church.
In 1959, it became a meeting house for the Religious Society of Friends, giving it the name we know today. It is now our main space for all programs, events, and coursework.
The Rye Meeting House is available to host special events, private parties, and family gatherings. To schedule a private tour, email us at info@miltonpointconservancy.org.