diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index cb09d6d4c5..2be693193a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ The Samvera community is here to help. Please see our [support guide](./.github/
 # Getting started
 
 This document contains instructions specific to setting up an app with __Hyrax
-v2.1.0.beta2__. If you are looking for instructions on installing a different
+v2.1.0.rc1__. If you are looking for instructions on installing a different
 version, be sure to select the appropriate branch or tag from the drop-down
 menu above.
 
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ NOTE: The steps need to be done in order to create a new Hyrax based app.
 Generate a new Rails application using the template.
 
 ```
-rails _5.0.6_ new my_app -m https://raw.githubusercontent.com/samvera/hyrax/v2.1.0.beta2/template.rb
+rails _5.0.6_ new my_app -m https://raw.githubusercontent.com/samvera/hyrax/v2.1.0.rc1/template.rb
 ```
 
 Generating a new Rails application using Hyrax's template above takes cares of a number of steps for you, including:
diff --git a/lib/hyrax/version.rb b/lib/hyrax/version.rb
index 0563e3ea9f..4b00b5fe52 100644
--- a/lib/hyrax/version.rb
+++ b/lib/hyrax/version.rb
@@ -1,3 +1,3 @@
 module Hyrax
-  VERSION = '2.1.0.beta2'.freeze
+  VERSION = '2.1.0.rc1'.freeze
 end
diff --git a/template.rb b/template.rb
index 807f88d784..a6530f06d9 100644
--- a/template.rb
+++ b/template.rb
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-gem 'hyrax', '2.1.0.beta2'
+gem 'hyrax', '2.1.0.rc1'
 run 'bundle install'
 generate 'hyrax:install', '-f'
 rails_command 'db:migrate'