The newly
furnished historic summer kitchen focuses on the "back story"
of John Jay's home, highlighting the lives of the servants and slaves who
contributed to the operation of the house and farm. Interpretation also
addresses the anti-slavery sentiments and activism of the Jay family. Founding
Father John Jay, who resided in the house from 1801-1829, owned slaves. But
believing slavery to be morally wrong, John Jay manumitted many of his slaves
and while serving as Governor of New York State, he signed into law an Act
for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery. William Jay, who took ownership of the Homestead following
his father’s death, was an avid abolitionist.
The
completely furnished kitchen provides visitors a sense of the daily routine of
the servants and slaves who served the Jay family. Small vignettes throughout
the room focus on the activities that filled the daily life of the servants and
slaves. One vignette emphasizes the labor involved in the day long, once-a-week
task of laundry day. Another demonstrates the different methods and materials
used in candle making and soap making. A third vignette calls attention to the
fact that the kitchen would often serve as the living quarters for some of the
slaves. Furnished entirely with reproduction furniture and objects, the kitchen is
the one room in the historic house where visitors may immerse themselves in the
early 19th century experience, learning through hands-on interaction with the
objects and space. Special programs will allow visitors the opportunity to
further immerse themselves in the space by participating in the activities of
preparing food and making candles using the 19th century utensils,
materials, and methods.
The Summer
Kitchen is an experience separate from the regular historic house tour,
adding to a growing list of things to do during a visit to the
Homestead. The Summer Kitchen will be open on a regular
schedule, and by appointment beginning in April 2011.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE SUMMER KITCHEN HERE
Image:
Friends - P.O. Box 148, Katonah, NY 10536 - phone: 914.232.8119 - fax: 914.232.5974 - e-mail: friends@johnjayhomestead.org -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Site - P.O. Box 832 - 400 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536 - phone: 914.232.5651 - fax: 914.232.8085 - www.nysparks.com
