The Board of Trustees of the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) in Rye, New York received a 2026 Garden Club of America (GCA) ‘Club Historic Preservation Commendation’ on June 2. This prestigious award is given to community organizations for “outstanding service in the field of preservation and restoration of historic gardens and buildings.” JHC was recognized for its “extraordinary transformation of an invaluable piece of Rye history” at the 23-acre Jay Estate. The sponsor of the commendation was the Rye Garden Club.
Working closely with Nelson Byrd Woltz, Larry Weaner Landscape Architects, Heritage Landscapes, and The Cultural Landscape Foundation, the Board of Trustees has directed and funded the ongoing revitalization of acres of gardens, meadow, stone walls, streams and historic landscape features for the public to enjoy while simultaneously safeguarding fragile cultural resources and improving habitat for wildlife.
GCA President Mary Harman extended her personal congratulations to JHC’s trustees. “Since its founding, a priority of the Garden Club of America has been to recognize and encourage those who have made – and are making – exceptional contributions…talented leaders who promote the knowledge and love of gardening and restore, improve and protect the environment.”
RGC President Elisabeth Casey added that the award reflected “sincere appreciation for [JHC’s] continuing work to create an educational campus focusing on American history, historic preservation, architecture, social justice and environmental stewardship.”
The commendation cooincides with national commemorations of America at 250 and a celebration of the places where the public can engage with our complicated struggle for independence. As the home of patriot, jurist and peacemaker John Jay (1745-1829), the Jay Estate is the centerpiece of the Boston Post Road Historic District, Westchester County’s only National Historic Landmark District and an ideal outdoor destination for experiencing Revolutionary War history where it happened.
The Jay Estate grounds are open dawn to dusk and the gardens are open Thursdays 10am – 2pm and Sundays 10am – 5pm except holidays.
L-R: JHC Director of Horticultural Education Lucia Maestro, JHC Vice President Tracy Edwards, JHC President Suzanne Clary, RGC Awards Chair Jane Canning and RGC President Elisabeth Casey (Photo credit – Alicia Baldwin)