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PAST IN PERSON PROGRAMS
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.” The program was moderated by renowned Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer. SEE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
MARCH 26, 4PM: COMPOSER MATTHEW AUCOIN ON “THE IMPOSSIBLE ART” MacArthur genius composer Matthew Aucoin discussed his user’s guide to opera that examines 400 years of the art and its librettists. He described the creation of his own groundbreaking new work, Eurydice, and shared his reflections on the past, present, and future of opera. He was accompanied by soprano Magdalena Kuzma. In the Boston Globe, John Domini called Aucoin’s book “a magnificent blend of criticism and rapture.” The event helped 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. Video coming soon.
APRIL 23, 4PM: KERMIT ROOSEVELT ON “THE NATION THAT NEVER WAS: Kermit Roosevelt III, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania law school and the great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, talked about discussed his new book, “The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America’s Story” with acclaimed constitutional scholar and Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar at this timely event. Over 125 registrants signed up for this dynamic offering. SEE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
APRIL 30 at 5pm: MAX TUCCI AND THE DELMONICO WAY A standing room only crowd braved torrents of rain to take a sip and a bite of American history and cuisine while listening to author and culinary historian Max Tucci. Did you know? Members of the Jay family once owned Delmonicos, an iconic downtown eatery frequented by members of the New York Yacht Club. Tucci’s family reenergized the iconic restaurant in the 20th century and this book is a beautiful ode to that era of top notch elegance in dining. Refreshments including a Delmonico’s classic – Devils on Horseback – provided by the Rye Country Store wowed everyone’s tastebuds. VIDEO TO COME
SOLD OUT – MAY 21 at 4pm: OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH STEPHEN KELLOGG Spread a blanket or prop up a folding chair on our front lawn in front of the Jay Mansion and enjoy this outdoor concert! Kellogg’s “musical interests were divided between his father’s record collection, devoted to ’70s singer/songwriters like Jim Croce and his sister’s rock & roll discs, dominated by hair metal acts such as Bon Jovi… Kellogg’s music represents a meeting point between these two styles, with songs that delve deep into the personal but make room for love and celebration.” Food trucks will provide tasty bites and beverages. REGISTRATION CLOSED Photo by Patrick Glennon
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
JUNE 11 at 4pm: POET DAVID MILLS ON BONEYARN Mills will read from and reflect upon the research behind ‘Boneyarn,’ the first-ever book of poems about slavery in New York City. NYC holds the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States—the Negro Burial Ground. Fifteen thousand enslaved and free Blacks, some Native Americans, and poor whites are buried there. Mills creatively ‘excavates’ the tragedies and triumphs of New York’s enslaved and free Black community. He writes about those who toiled as cooks, childhood chimney sweeps, sailed the Atlantic, fought in the Revolutionary War, maintained African traditions when burying the dead, built the ‘wall’ where Wall Street gets its name. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Rye African Cemetery. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – REGISTER HERE
JULY 9 at 4pm: THE ORIGINAL NEW YORKERS: AN INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF LAND WITH HEATHER BREUGL The New York that you know today wasn’t always this way. Learn about those who inhabited the land before colonization and the Native Nations that called the area home. Join us for a discussion about the original New Yorkers with public historian Heather Breugl. Heather is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and first-line descendant Stockbridge Munsee. She is an activist, and independent consultant who works with institutions and organizations for Indigenous sovereignty and collective liberation. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where she is studying First Nations Education with a focus on creating inclusive historical narratives for teaching. The program is FREE but registration is required. REGISTER HERE
NOVEMBER 5 at 4pm: MEET SEAN SHERMAN, THE SIOUX CHEF Sherman, Oglala Lakota, has been cooking across the US and World for the last 30 years. He has studied on his own extensively to determine the foundations of these food systems which include the knowledge of Native American farming techniques, wild food usage and harvesting, land stewardship, salt and sugar making, hunting and fishing, food preservation, Native American migrational histories, elemental cooking techniques, and Native culture and history in general to gain a full understanding of bringing back a sense of Native American cuisine to today’s world. REGISTRATION LINK TO COME
DECEMBER 3, 2PM: A CAPPELLA CONCERT IN THE JAY GARDENS Our season finale is always a crowd-pleaser! FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK TO COME
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
MAY 19: ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES CORPORATION (EFC) WATER WORKSHOP with State Assemblyman Steve Otis and SAVE THE SOUND
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 jayheritagecenter@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?
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: Kermit Roosevelt III, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania law school and the great-great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, talked about discussed his new book, “The Nation That Never Was: Reconstructing America’s Story” with acclaimed constitutional scholar and Yale Law Professor Akhil Reed Amar at this timely event. Over 125 registrants signed up for this dynamic offering. SEE PHOTOS AND WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
APRIL 30 at 5pm: MAX TUCCI AND THE DELMONICO WAY A standing room only crowd braved torrents of rain to take a sip and a bite of American history and cuisine while listening to author and culinary historian Max Tucci. Did you know? Members of the Jay family once owned Delmonicos, an iconic downtown eatery frequented by members of the New York Yacht Club. Tucci’s family reenergized the iconic restaurant in the 20th century and this book is a beautiful ode to that era of top notch elegance in dining. Refreshments including a Delmonico’s classic – Devils on Horseback – provided by the Rye Country Store wowed everyone’s tastebuds. VIDEO TO COME
MAY 7 at 5pm: BOOK TALK & COCKTAIL RECEPTION WITH MAC GRISWOLD, AUTHOR OF “I’LL BUILD A STAIRWAY TO PARADISE: A LIFE OF BUNNY MELLON” What a glorious evening! Lovers of garden history and design attended a book talk and reception in the new Jay Estate Gardens with acclaimed author and landscape historian Mac Griswold. Griswold—who knew Bunny Mellon personally—delved 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. VIDEO TO COME
SOLD OUT – MAY 21 at 4pm: OUTDOOR CONCERT WITH STEPHEN KELLOGG Spread a blanket or prop up a folding chair on our front lawn in front of the Jay Mansion and enjoy this outdoor concert! Kellogg’s “musical interests were divided between his father’s record collection, devoted to ’70s singer/songwriters like Jim Croce and his sister’s rock & roll discs, dominated by hair metal acts such as Bon Jovi… Kellogg’s music represents a meeting point between these two styles, with songs that delve deep into the personal but make room for love and celebration.” Food trucks will provide tasty bites and beverages. REGISTRATION CLOSED Photo by Patrick Glennon 
JUNE 11 at 4pm: POET DAVID MILLS ON BONEYARN Mills will read from and reflect upon the research behind ‘Boneyarn,’ the first-ever book of poems about slavery in New York City. NYC holds the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States—the Negro Burial Ground. Fifteen thousand enslaved and free Blacks, some Native Americans, and poor whites are buried there. Mills creatively ‘excavates’ the tragedies and triumphs of New York’s enslaved and free Black community. He writes about those who toiled as cooks, childhood chimney sweeps, sailed the Atlantic, fought in the Revolutionary War, maintained African traditions when burying the dead, built the ‘wall’ where Wall Street gets its name. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Rye African Cemetery. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – REGISTER HERE
JULY 9 at 4pm: THE ORIGINAL NEW YORKERS: AN INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF LAND WITH HEATHER BREUGL The New York that you know today wasn’t always this way. Learn about those who inhabited the land before colonization and the Native Nations that called the area home. Join us for a discussion about the original New Yorkers with public historian Heather Breugl. Heather is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and first-line descendant Stockbridge Munsee. She is an activist, and independent consultant who works with institutions and organizations for Indigenous sovereignty and collective liberation. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where she is studying First Nations Education with a focus on creating inclusive historical narratives for teaching. The program is FREE but registration is required. REGISTER HERE
NOVEMBER 5 at 4pm: MEET SEAN SHERMAN, THE SIOUX CHEF Sherman, Oglala Lakota, has been cooking across the US and World for the last 30 years. He has studied on his own extensively to determine the foundations of these food systems which include the knowledge of Native American farming techniques, wild food usage and harvesting, land stewardship, salt and sugar making, hunting and fishing, food preservation, Native American migrational histories, elemental cooking techniques, and Native culture and history in general to gain a full understanding of bringing back a sense of Native American cuisine to today’s world. REGISTRATION LINK TO COME
DECEMBER 3, 2PM: A CAPPELLA CONCERT IN THE JAY GARDENS Our season finale is always a crowd-pleaser! FREE and OPEN to the PUBLIC REGISTRATION LINK TO COME
