Plan Your Visit

Why visit?

“… Americans have, to a considerable extent, lost touch with their land and with their political history. JHC is a perfect place for them to rediscover man’s traditional relationship to nature and to relearn the principles of American democracy.”—

Morrison Heckscher, Curator, American Decorative Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jay Estate Grounds are open during the week and on weekends from 10 - 5pm

Visiting Hours & Tours

1838 Jay Mansion

Closed due to observation of Covid-19 safety recommendations

Stay safe and well! All notifications will be sent through our newsletter – to add you name to our list email jayheritagecenter@gmail.com.

1907 Van Norden Carriage House

Closed due to observation of Covid-19 safety recommendations

Stay safe and well! All notifications will be sent through our newsletter – to add you name to our list email jayheritagecenter@gmail.com.

Tours, Visits and 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. JHC receives no annual public government funding and so we rely heavily on our staff and volunteers to assist us. We ask that you observe the following simple rules as a courtesy to our staff, volunteers and fellow park visitors.

Guided tours of the mansion are suspended for the time being though there are QR signs around the property outside. We hope to open the new Historic Jay Gardens to the public for tours on select Sundays in October 2021 with guidance from NY State Parks.

In the interim, our grounds (excluding fenced off areas) are open during the week and on weekends from 10 – 5pm. Please practice Covid-19 safety measures.

  • Daily parking is free. No overnight parking allowed.
  • Enjoy the rockers on the piazza! First come, first serve.
  • Plein-air painting, leaf peeping and birdwatching encouraged!
  • 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.
  • Dogs on leash are permitted – please clean up after your pet or we may need to suspend this privilege for everyone.
  • No smoking at any time.
  • No consumption of alcohol at any time other than sanctioned JHC events.
  • Personal photography and filming only. Professional photography must be approved in advance. Please be aware that if you appear to be taking photographs for commercial use, you may be approached by a member of our staff to confirm prior approval.
  • All natural, cultural and archaeological resources are protected and may not be removed or disturbed. Possession and use of a metal detector in the park 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 or #jayestate

“John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States and one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, embodied the intellectual, philosophical and cultural spirit of his times. They are captured in this very special area of Rye, New York.” –

Hon. Nita M. Lowey, Congresswoman

Directions & Travel

The Jay Heritage Center

210 Boston Post Road, Rye,  NY 10580

The nearest Metro North Train stations are Rye & Harrison (New Haven Line) Find schedule Information

Taxi Phone numbers

Rye Taxi: (914) 967-5000 Harrison Taxi: (914) 835-3400

 

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