Jay Heritage Center

Educational Center; National Historic Landmark; member of Historic Hudson Valley National Heritage Area; African American Heritage Trail site Seven men are credited as America's Founding Fathers because of their key roles in shaping our government: J...

Educational Center; National Historic Landmark; member of Historic Hudson Valley National Heritage Area; African American Heritage Trail site Seven men are credited as America's Founding Fathers because of their key roles in shaping our government: John Jay, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The Jay Property in Rye, NY is the boyhood home of the only 1 out of those 7 who was native to New York State, John Jay (b. 1745- d. 1829). In addition to being a NY State Park, it is the centerpiece of the National Historic Landmark Boston Post Road District and the site Jay established a private cemetery in 1807 for himself and his descendants. Jay had an unparalleled career of service to our young nation. In addition to being a co-author of the Federalist Papers, Jay was the only Founding Father to serve in every branch of government including as President of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of New York State, First Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Minister to Spain and Governor of New York State. And so his home in Rye is a place that we can imagine shaped his character and provided refuge and inspiration throughout his life. Visitors who come to Jay's childhood home today can experience its 10,000 year old scenic vista of Long Island Sound over a meadow bordered by sunken stone walls. It is located on the historic Boston Post Road where mile marker "24" out of 230, was first set in 1763 by Jay's colleague, Benjamin Franklin. The centerpiece of this gentleman's estate is an 1838 Greek Revival mansion with soaring Corinthian columns built by Peter Augustus Jay atop the footprint of his father and grandfather's original home "The Locusts." The Jay family home is being carefully restored and managed by the not-for-profit organization, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) for use as an educational facility hosting Programs in American History, Architecture, Social Justice, Landscape Conservation and Environmental Stewardship as well as concerts, plays and art exhibits. Because of its historic significance and in recognition of its green management practices, it was unanimously awarded a prestigious place on the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area list in January 2009. The Jay site is also one of only 13 sites listed on Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. John Jay is well known for advocating emancipation, serving as President of the Manumission Society in 1785 and establishing the first African Free School.