John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is both a local gem and national
treasure. It is one of only a handful of historic farms in the country
once owned by a Founding Father, and open to the public. It is where
John Jay, after a lifetime of public service, chose to retire in 1801
and live out his life in the company of his children and
grandchildren. Jay’s many public roles included principal negotiator
of the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War, Secretary
for Foreign Affairs of the United States, first Chief Justice of the
Supreme Court and second Governor of New York State.
Jay’s descendants continued to live in the house until the 1950s when
the house and a portion of the original acreage were purchased by
Westchester County thanks to the help of local citizens. It was later
transferred to New York State and declared a State Historic Site in
1958. Since then, the historic house’s interiors have been restored in
the style of John Jay’s lifetime. A visit to John Jay Homestead today
is an opportunity to increase one’s knowledge and enthusiasm for
history, to contemplate the principles upon which America was founded,
and to learn about farm life in the 19th century. In addition, the
Homestead’s 62-acre grounds include historic outbuildings, four formal
gardens, open fields, a pond and wooded trails – supporting a wide
range of outdoor activity.
The Homestead Country Fair has moved to the 4th of July!
Join Friends of John Jay Homestead and the Rotary Club of Bedford-Armonk on Wednesday, July 4th for a celebration of America's founding at the Independence Day Fair.
Bring your family for the reading of the Declaration of Independence at 11am and sign a copy. Stay for the family fun including sheep herding, bee keeping and blacksmith demonstrations, crafts, live music, log cutting and plenty of food from the grill. And don't forget to enter a pie for the apple pie contest!
Admission to grounds and Reading are free; food, house tours and some special activities are available by ticket purchase.
John Jay Homestead
State Historic Site is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Historic house tours
are available by appointment. Please call the site at 914.232.5651 for
reservations. Non-reserved tours are available on an hourly basis according to
the schedule below. Historic house tour admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for
seniors and students, and free for children up to age 12 and Friends'
members.
