MARCH 19, 4PM: KERRI GREENIDGE ON “THE GRIMKES: THE LEGACY OF SLAVERY IN AN AMERICAN FAMILY” Tufts professor Kerri K. Greenidge tells the story of Sarah and Agnes Grimke, “revered figures in American history, famous for rejecting their privileged lives on a plantation in South Carolina to become firebrand activists in the North.” Previous accounts, however, “have long obscured their Black relatives.” Greenidge, by contrast, “presents a parallel narrative, indeed a long-overdue corrective, shifting the focus from the white abolitionist sisters to the Black Grimkes and deepening our understanding of the long struggle for racial and gender equality.” REGISTER HERE
MARCH 26, 4PM: COMPOSER MATTHEW AUCOIN ON “THE IMPOSSIBLE ART” MacArthur genius composer Matthew Aucoin, “the most promising operatic talent in a generation” (TheNew York Times Magazine), has penned a user’s guide to opera that examines 400 years of the art and its librettists. He describes the creation of his own groundbreaking new work, Eurydice, and shares his reflections on the past, present, and future of opera. In the Boston Globe, John Domini called Aucoin’s book “a magnificent blend of criticism and rapture.” The event will help celebrate the launch of plans for the new Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III Exhibit and Performance Center, funded by a $1.5 million gift from the Wachenheim family. REGISTER HERE
APRIL 23, 4PM: KERMIT ROOSEVELT ON “THE NATION THAT NEVER WAS: RECONSTRUCTING AMERICA’S STORY”
Kermit Roosevelt III, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania law school and the great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, will discuss his new book, “The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America’s Story.” Publishers Weekly writes that “astute textual analysis, careful historical research, and a deep commitment to social justice make this an inspiring reexamination of America’s past.” Professor Sanford Levinson of the University of Texas at Austin School of Law calls it “a truly extraordinary book.” REGISTER HERE
MAY 7: COCKTAIL RECEPTION WITH MAC GRISWOLD, AUTHOR OF “I’LL BUILD A STAIRWAY TO PARADISE: A LIFE OF BUNNY MELLON” Join us for a cocktail reception and book talk with acclaimed author and landscape historian Mac Griswold. Mac Griswold—who knew Bunny Mellon personally—delves into her subject’s closely-guarded personal archives to construct an unrivaled portrait of a woman as complex and multifaceted as the gardens and homes on which she left her mark. LIMITED TICKETS REGISTER HERE
MAY 21: OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH STEPHEN KELLOGG – Welcome spring with this FREE outdoor concert. Spread out a blanket or folding chair on our front lawn with friends and family. Food trucks will provide tasty bites and beverages. REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
JUNE TBD: MAX TUCCI – THE DELMONICO WAY – Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant That Made New York. Did you know? The Jay Family owned Delmonicos and consumed many an oyster or glass of champagne there in the company of fellow New York Yacht Club founders! Learn more about the history of this legendary landmark from Max Tucci, grandson of Oscar Tucci, an Italian immigrant who in 1926 reestablished the culinary supremacy of the establishment with magic and flair. Sample truly old-fashioned and delicious Delmonico cocktails and bites in the Jay Gardens. REGISTRATION LINK TO COME – LIMITED TICKETS
JUNE TBD – JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION AND READINGS IN JAY GARDENS – The Jay Estate is also the Valentine Home. Join us for a commemoration in honor of all the enslaved men and women – Caesar, Mary, Clarinda, and more – whose strength and resilience is an extricable part of the narrative of our site. FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
DECEMBER 3, 2PM: A CAPPELLA CONCERT IN THE JAY GARDENS Our season finale is always a crowd-pleaser! FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
PARTNER PROGRAMS
American Women of African Heritage (AWAH)
FEBRUARY 23: AFRICAN AMERICAN TRAILBLAZERS AWARDS – Livestream link to come
MARCH 25: AMERICAN WOMEN OF AFRICAN HERITAGE (AWAH) LITERARY CELEBRATION
APRIL 13: LITTLE GARDEN CLUB OF RYE (LGC) DAFFODIL SHOW
APRIL 14: LITTLE GARDEN CLUB OF RYE (LGC) & RYE GARDEN CLUB (RGC) – Garden Lecture and Luncheon with Marta McDowell, Author of Unearthing The Secret Garden, 11am – 2pm
TBD: SAVE THE SOUND, ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES CORPORATION (EFC) WATER, RYE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE and COASTAL RESILIENCY WORKSHOPS with Senator Shelley B. Mayer and State Assemblyman Steve Otis
Our gardens are the greenest classrooms in town! Join us for a demonstration or get your hands in the dirt and help us grow!
2023 GARDEN WORKSHOPS
JAY ESTATE GARDEN TOURS
Little Garden Club member Cheryl Adler and JHC Hort Director Lucia Maestro show children the composition of a daffodil
PUBLIC TOURS AND MORE!
Thursdays, 10am-2pm; Sundays, 10am-5pm
Starting Sunday, April 2, until Sunday, October 29, the award-winning Jay Estate Gardens will be open to the public two days a week. Enjoy docent led experiences or follow a self-guided tour following our QR code signs. Drop in for a lesson, talks, and workshops led by JHC’s Director of Horticulture and Garden Education, Lucia Maestro and special guest speakers. Email Lucia Maestro for more information or to volunteer in the gardens. FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
APRIL 2, 10AM: Daffodil Workshop
APRIL 16: Growing from Seeds
APRIL 23: Earth Day Native Planting
JUNE 4: Summer-Loving Crops
JUNE 25: Keeping Up Your Harvest
JULY 2: Therapeutic Horticulture
JULY 16: Succession Planning and Fall Crops
AUGUST 27: Promoting Pollinators with Native Plants
AUGUST 31: Dried Herbs and Lavender Sachet Workshop
SEPTEMBER 24: Potting a Strawberry Plant
OCTOBER 15: Seed Harvest and Plant Propagation
OCTOBER 22: Basket Weaving with Native Grasses
OCTOBER 29: Flowers in Ritual and Tradition – Dia de Los Muertos
VOLUNTEER EVENTS
Volunteers removing thistle and Japanese knotweed
No experience necessary. Learn how to differentiate between native and invasive species throughout the growing season. Acquire proficiency in identifying plants and pollinators. Help harvest fresh food for Meals on Main Street on a weekly basis.
This is a great way to make new friends while also acquiring horticulture experience from planting seeds, to weeding or growing herbs and vegetables. Volunteers have regular appreciation gatherings and more bespoke educational classes. You will also receive your own Jay Estate Gardens Newsletter to stay connected. Corporate groups welcome! Special thanks to our returning youth groups from the African American Men of Westchester‘s Environmental Committee, Blue Skies at Christ Church, Rye Presbyterian Youth and the Port Chester Youth Bureau.
MARCH 2, 10AM: Volunteer Orientation
MARCH 5: First Garden Volunteer Day
Corporate volunteers
MARCH 26, 10AM: Rose Pruning Workshop
MAY 6: I LOVE MY PARK DAY with Parks & Trails New York
Blue Skies students under the rose arbor
NOVEMBER 6: Tulip Planting
NOVEMBER 12: Taste of Garlic Workshop
Save the Dates! Support a local treasure while also making new friends and connections!
2023 FUNDRAISERS & FRIENDRAISERS
JAY SOIRÉE - September 23
Last year, more than 300 supporters of the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) enjoyed a night of spectacular weather, touring fragrant gardens and supping at sparkling tablescapes with a Moonlight theme. The evening marked 30 years of leadership in preservation and environmental stewardship first launched by JHC’s five founding women. A live auction of bespoke dinners and a green electric MOKE were highlights of the party co-chaired by another 5 dynamic women – Christie Bonasera, Aileen Burdick, Suzanne Clary, Lindsay Martin and Caroline Walker. See photos here.
Interested in spearheading this year’s gala and choosing the theme? Join the benefit committee and meet new people in the community while doing good. Email our executive director at peraino.jhc@gmail.com
JAY DAY- October 1
Jay Day is our its classic fall family festival! Past activities have includes live a cappella performances by the Yale Spizzwinks and an “All About H2O” show from Mad Science–plus amazing balloon twisters, hay rides and a petting zoo from Bronx Equestrian. Stilt walkers & jugglers provide super photo ops for the whole family!
Guests snack on nibbles from food truck vendors like Crazy Taco Mex, Leila’s Empanadas, and Longford’s ice cream, and they learn about archaeology with Dr. Eugene Boesch. In past years, they held artifacts in their own hands–from 4,000-year-old projectile points to an 18th century slate pencil used by one of Rye’s earliest students! See photos from last year’s event here.
Would you like to help with Jay Day 2023 or be a participating vendor or food truck? Email Kevin Peraino at peraino.jhc@gmail.com
FEBRUARY 1, 6 PM: STACY SCHIFF ON “THE REVOLUTIONARY: SAMUEL ADAMS
MARCH 19, 4PM: KERRI GREENIDGE ON “THE GRIMKES: THE LEGACY OF SLAVERY IN AN AMERICAN FAMILY”
MARCH 26, 4PM: COMPOSER MATTHEW AUCOIN ON “THE IMPOSSIBLE ART”
APRIL 23, 4PM: KERMIT ROOSEVELT ON “THE NATION THAT NEVER WAS: RECONSTRUCTING AMERICA’S STORY” 
MAY 7: COCKTAIL RECEPTION WITH MAC GRISWOLD, AUTHOR OF “I’LL BUILD A STAIRWAY TO PARADISE: A LIFE OF BUNNY MELLON”
MAY 21: OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH STEPHEN KELLOGG – Welcome spring with this FREE outdoor concert. Spread out a blanket or folding chair on our front lawn with friends and family. Food trucks will provide tasty bites and beverages. REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON
JUNE TBD: MAX TUCCI – THE DELMONICO WAY – Sublime Entertaining and Legendary Recipes from the Restaurant That Made New York. Did you know? The Jay Family owned Delmonicos and consumed many an oyster or glass of champagne there in the company of fellow New York Yacht Club founders! Learn more about the history of this legendary landmark from Max Tucci, grandson of Oscar Tucci, an Italian immigrant who in 1926 reestablished the culinary supremacy of the establishment with magic and flair. Sample truly old-fashioned and delicious Delmonico cocktails and bites in the Jay Gardens. REGISTRATION LINK TO COME – LIMITED TICKETS
JUNE TBD – JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATION AND READINGS IN JAY GARDENS – The Jay Estate is also the Valentine Home. Join us for a commemoration in honor of all the enslaved men and women – Caesar, Mary, Clarinda, and more – whose strength and resilience is an extricable part of the narrative of our site. FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
DECEMBER 3, 2PM: A CAPPELLA CONCERT IN THE JAY GARDENS Our season finale is always a crowd-pleaser! FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC
