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
Mansion Tours
Sunday, September 1, 2024 until Sunday, September 29, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Enjoy
the beginning of fall by traveling back in time as you experience
the 1838 Jay Mansion! Our docent-led tours share the stories of the
many eras of the Jay Mansion and give you a behind-the-scenes look at our
extensive restoration process.
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, September 12, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Our gardens are magnificent during the summer months! Enjoy Japanese anemone, sunflowers and cone flowers. Spend a morning by our calming reflecting pool or wander through our new Japanese Cherry tree allée. Two days a week you can enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Sunday, September 15, 2024 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Our gardens are magnificent during the summer months! Enjoy Japanese anemone, sunflowers and cone flowers. Spend a morning by our calming reflecting pool or wander through our new Japanese Cherry tree allée. Two days a week you can enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
Creating Habitats for Birds (available in English and Spanish)
Sunday, September 15, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Native birds may be used as
indicators of a changing ecosystem. Protecting wildlife is essential for a
healthy ecosystem. At this workshop you will learn how to create or preserve
healthy habitats for birds in your own backyard while learning about some of
the native species that offer food and shelter to birds in the area. This tour
will be offered in Spanish and English as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Please check our
website for more information.
Garden Tours and Volunteer Opportunities
Thursday, September 19, 2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Jay Heritage Center
Our gardens are magnificent during the summer months! Enjoy Japanese anemone, sunflowers and cone flowers. Spend a morning by our calming reflecting pool or wander through our new Japanese Cherry tree allée. Two days a week you can enjoy docent-led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC's Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Please visit our
website or email Lucia for more information: hortdirector.JHC@gmail.com.
