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
Jay Heritage Center Garden Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, April 27, 2025 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Jay Heritage Center
Please join us in the historic Jay Heritage Gardens for our ongoing volunteer sessions. Volunteers may engage in different maintenance tasks from weeding and pruning to invasive species management and planting. Community service forms available upon request. Please remember you will be working outside so please plan accordingly. Bring your own water bottle. Please email Lucia Maestro (hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com) for more information!
I Love My Park Day
Saturday, May 3, 2025 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Volunteers may engage in different maintenance tasks to help with the upkeep of the Jay Estate grounds and/or historic gardens. Activities may include helping with invasive species control and removal, leaf raking, etc. Some of these activities may require some lightweight lifting. You will be outside so please dress accordingly. Please bring your own water bottle. At the end of the event, we will have a soft ice cream truck on site for participants to enjoy free ice cream. Families are definitely welcome! Children 13 or younger must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. Tools and gloves will be provided. No previous experience is needed. Rain date: May 4 or TBD Please email Lucia Maestro (hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com) for more information!
“Fourteen Years with LH PRISM, 14 Invasives: Canadian Thistle” Workshop
Sunday, May 18, 2025 09:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
This year represents a 14-year mark and important cornerstone regarding JHC's work on environmental conservation. We are celebrating this important milestone by setting a new goal with our valuable partners, LH Prism. "Fourteen years, fourteen invasives" will focus on targeting 14 invasive species through management projects that will be built into 14 workshops in the JHC's programming, as part of our Native Protection Series. Director of Horticulture Lucia Maestro will be leading this hands-on practice workshop series designed to understand the importance of native species protection, through invasive species education and control. Invasive species like multiflora rose, 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. Open to young adults, adults. In the event of rain this workshop may be cancelled or rescheduled. Please email Lucia Maestro (hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com) for more information!
