Plan Your Visit

NY Path Through History & African American Heritage Trail Site

2023 Visiting Hours & Tours

1838 Jay Mansion

Guided House Tours take place every Sunday from 2-5pm with the exception of holidays.

Group tours can be scheduled in advance. Contact jayheritagecenter@gmail.com for additional info.

For a preview, please watch a video overview with RyeTV’s Kim Berns about the property here or to enjoy one of our upcoming programs click here for a schedule.  Enjoy safe outdoor events and stimulating Zoom programs January to December! To add your name to our e-newsletter list, email jayheritagecenter@gmail.com.

Jay Meadow & Park Grounds

Open from dawn to dusk all year round (excluding fenced in areas). There are also QR signs around the property outside. Hold your phone up to the markers to take a photo and a weblink should pop up on your screen automatically. One can follow the mown grass path path behind the Jay Mansion, to the neighboring park at Marshlands Conservancy and down to the water – see two parks in one day!

(Please note that dogs are allowed on leash at the Jay Estate but NO DOGS are allowed at Marshlands which is a separate Westchester County park).

 

Jay Estate Gardens

Our award-winning gardens reimagined by Nelson Byrd Woltz are now open for the season. They will be open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm and every Thursday from 10am to 2pm except on major holidays now through November 1.

Watch a video tour of the Gardens in progress with Kim Berns and RyeTV here. Sign up to volunteer with our Horticulture Director Lucia Maestro at  hortdirector.jhc@gmail.com.

Photo by Kim Crichlow

Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Exhibit and Performance Center

The Wachenheim Center is currently closed to the public but staff can answer questions via phone or email. All other notifications will be sent through our newsletter.

Park Regulations

Welcome! Our non-profit, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC), maintains and operates the 23-acre Jay Estate for the enjoyment of the public. As JHC receives no annual tax dollars or public government funding, we rely heavily on volunteers to assist us. But with growing community support and donations we are looking to expand our staff and our hours! In the interim, we ask that you observe the following simple rules as a courtesy to our staff, volunteers and fellow park visitors.

  • Daily parking is free. No overnight parking allowed.
  • Enjoy the rockers on the piazza! First come, first serve.
  • We are a take-in, take-out park – please take any litter you bring in with you and please take it out when you leave.
  • Plein-air painting, leaf peeping and birdwatching are encouraged! Record your bird sightings on eBird and tag the Jay Estate.
  • Dogs on leash are permitted on the grounds – with the exception of the gardens – but please clean up after your pet or we may need to suspend this privilege for everyone.
  • No smoking ANYTHING at any time.
  • No consumption of alcohol at any time other than sanctioned JHC events.
  • All natural, cultural and archaeological resources are protected and may not be removed or disturbed. Possession and use of a metal detector at the Jay Estate is strictly prohibited.
  • No biking on trails or paths.
  • Please use headphones for enjoying music.
  • We may take photos of visitors from time to use in our marketing and online publications. Feel free to share your own photos with us and we may post with attribution on our website or social media! Tag us #jayheritagecenter, #jayestaterye, or #jayestategardens.
  • No drones.

Photography Policy

  • Personal photography and filming only. Professional photography or filming (weddings, family/holiday portraits,  corporate work etc.) must be approved and a permit obtained/approved/paid for in advance.  Permits are granted at the discretion of management.
  • Please be aware that if you appear to be taking photographs or filming for commercial use, you may be approached by a member of our staff to confirm prior approval. Email Kevin Peraino for more info.

Directions & Travel

The Jay Estate

210 Boston Post Road, Rye,  NY 10580

The Boston Post Road Historic District in Rye is not currently served by public transportation but we are hopeful that this will change in the future. The nearest Metro North Train stations are Rye & Harrison (New Haven Line) Find schedule Information

Taxi Phone numbers

Harrison Taxi: (914) 835-3400

 

Get Directions