Our non-profit, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is dedicated to transforming the 23-acre Jay Estate into a vibrant educational campus, hosting innovative and inclusive programs about American History, Historic Preservation, Social Justice, and Environmental Stewardship.

Louise Tormey Kline Jay

Spotlight on Women

One of the most striking portraits in our collection is this 20th century painting of Louise Tormey Kline Jay. Louise’s Lenten-hued, off-the-shoulder gown, either an heirloom or a revolutionary era costume, looks even more sumptuous set against midnight blue drapery. A powdered-white wig looks uncomfortably heavy – it overpowers her face but can’t diminish her concentration as she poses for the artist.*  Her expression seems to say “I have arrived, ” and indeed she had. Louise was one of many proud immigrants to marry into the Jay circle. She wasn’t Dutch or French or English. Her family came from Ireland.

How did an Irish girl find herself in Knickerbocker society?

Read more here about her Irish-American legacy.

Lively Discussion of Poetry and Slavery During the Revolution Takes Center Stage

The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley with David Waldstreicher and Iain Pollock

An engaged crowd welcomed David Waldstreicher, celebrated author and historian of early and nineteenth-century America to discuss his latest work about the enslaved poet Phillis Wheatley in conversation with author and poet Iain Haley Pollock, Director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Manhattanville College.

David’s  latest book, The Odyssey of Phillis Wheatley: A Poet’s Journeys Through American Slavery and Independence, is the most deeply researched biography of the poet. Read more and see the video here. Photo by Kim Crichlow

With DOUG TALLAMY, CO-FOUNDER OF HOMEGROWN NATIONAL PARK

NATIVE TREE SYMPOSIUM 10:30am - 2:30pm

Why do native trees matter? How can we create a homegrown national park in our own backyards or local municipalities? What are other organizations doing to increase biodiversity on their campuses? Start the day with networking and tours of the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens starting at 10:30am. Bring your own lunch and enjoy open seating on the veranda and in the gardens. Then join us at 12:30pm for a keynote talk by best-selling author and entomologist Doug Tallamy.

The day will wrap-up with a panel presentation at 1:30pm from Rye and Sound Shore organizations who will share their native tree planting projects. Funding generously provided by our partners in philanthropy at Con Edison.
Registration link to come. Read more here.

The Jay Estate in Rye was home to one of our nation's greatest peacemakers, John Jay...

...and today, it is YOUR park

More about the Jay Estate

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