The 23-acre Jay Estate in Rye is one of two family homes of American founding father John Jay (1745-1829) located in Westchester. Jay was a noted jurist, peacemaker, governor and anti-slavery advocate. The site, which overlooks Long Island Sound is part of the Boston Post Road Historic District, a National Historic Landmark and a stop on Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. It is also one of 100 top attractions in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
The Jay Estate has three owners: 21.5 acres have been owned by New York State Parks in conjunction with Westchester County Parks since 1997. The not-for-profit organization, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) owns the 1838 Greek Revival mansion, and 1.5 acres of land around it. The 1907 Van Norden Carriage House is a second building being restored by JHC; it serves as the Jay Estate Visitor and Education Center.
Under a 2013 agreement, the Jay Estate is managed by JHC for New York State and Westchester County as dedicated parkland. It is used for recreation and hosts programs about American history, social justice, architecture and conservation. The restoration of historic gardens and a 1917 Tennis House are ongoing projects and when finished will be exciting resources for the public.
For hours of operating and other visiting information, please visit: jayheritagecenter.org
INVASIVE SPECIES EDUCATION WORKSHOP (Volunteer Force Crew) - Open to young adults and adults.
Sunday, September 24, 2023 08:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Jay Heritage Center
Invasive species like wineberry, mugwort, Japanese knotweed, porcelain berry and Japanese honeysuckle will be targeted and removed by hand in several areas to protect other native species. Learn how to properly identify and remove them. Bring long pants, sunscreen and bug spray, water and snacks. Work gloves will be provided. Please be aware that poison ivy, ticks and other insects may be present in the area as we will be working off-path. Check jayheritagecenter.org for more information on upcoming events and workshops.
IKEBANA FLOWER SHOW
Saturday, September 30, 2023 until Sunday, October 1, 2023
Jay Heritage Center
Join us for a celebration of Japanese arts and culture with our partners, the Japan Society of Fairfield County. The weekend will kick off with a dedication of a glorious 22 Higan cherry tree allée at the Jay Estate Gardens with Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consulate General of Japan, and elected officials of New York State. Highlights include an ikebana flower exhibit at the Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Center, performances of sakura opera, Koto and Shakuhachi instrumental music, a Japanese Shishimai "lion dance" and a compelling exhibit of art by renowned artist, poet and calligrapher Koho Yamamoto, whose internment pieces have been shown at the Smithsonian and Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Gardens.
Friendship Through Japanese Arts and Culture
Sunday, October 1, 2023 10:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
The Jay Heritage Center is honored to share news that it will be displaying a rare internment camp painting by master sumi-e painter and great post-war abstractionist Koho Yamamoto at the 1838 Jay Mansion this October. The display is made possible through a dynamic partnership with the Japan Society of Greater Fairfield County (JSFC) and the Topaz Museum in Delta, Utah. The event supports JSFC's dedication to building knowledge and mutual understanding between Japanese and Americans through educational, cultural, and philanthropic programs. The day will also include a spectacular flower show hosted by International Ikebana New York. FREE and open to the public. Photo by Robert Banat.
Jay Day Fall Family Festival
Sunday, October 1, 2023 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
$50 per family; $20 per individual, Jay Day is our its classic fall family festival! Past activities have included live a cappella performances by the Yale Spizzwinks and an "All About H2O" show from Mad Science–plus amazing face painters, pony rides and a petting zoo from Bronx Equestrian. Stilt walkers & jugglers provide super photo ops for the whole family! Guests snack on nibbles from food truck vendors like Crazy Taco Mex, Leila's Empanadas, and Jimmy's Soft Serve ice cream, and they learn about archaeology with Dr. Eugene Boesch. In past years, they held artifacts in their own hands–from 4,000-year-old projectile points to an 18th century slate pencil used by one of Rye's earliest students! For more info, email Meredith Slater at mjslater.jhc@gmail.com.
