Friends of John Jay Homestead

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Friends of John Jay Homestead

Friends of John Jay Homestead is a non-profit, educational organization founded in 1977 by local Bed
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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 neg

otiator 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.

08/17/2026

🧩 Piece together the story of one of America's most important historic places! Original artwork by local artist Katharine Barnwell For sale at the link in our bio, with pickup available at the Farm Market.

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇲 Here's to 250 years of the American story - and to preserving the places and people who helped shape it. Thank you for being part of our community.

06/22/2026

It was a wonderful opening weekend for 1776 the Musical at Bedford Historical Hall. Town Supervisor, Ellen Calves, led a toast with members from Friends of John Jay Homestead, Bedford Historical Hall, Katonah Classic Stage, and show sponsors.

Over 300 patrons saw the sold-out show on its first of two weekends! Join the waitlist to see it June 26-28 — Link in bio.

06/12/2026

🇺🇸 Before the Declaration was signed, every vote had to be won.

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that brings the debates, drama, and determination behind the Declaration of Independence to life.

JUNE 19 & 20 @ 7:30pm
JUNE 21 @ 3pm
JUNE 26 & 27 @ 7:30pm
JUNE 28 @ 3pm

Tickets available now — Link in bio.

Filled with humor, heart, and unforgettable music, this beloved classic offers a timely and entertaining way to reflect on the founding story that shaped our nation. As part of Bedford’s RevUp 250 celebration, this is notably the only production of 1776 in Westchester County during this semiquincentennial year.

Presented by Litlhorn LLC in partnership with the Town of Bedford, Friends of John Jay Homestead, Bedford Historical Society, Katonah Classic Stage, and local Bedford businesses.

LiveTheater

03/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last night at for a vibrant evening with Victoria Johnson! If you couldn't make it, we will have a recording posted on our YouTube channel and website next week. Swing by to pick up a copy of American Eden from

02/01/2026

“Every member of the State ought diligently to read the Constitution of his country, and never to resign his rights.” —John Jay

Friends took part in the spirit of civic life at the fabulous kick-off of Bedford's Rev UP 250 on Friday at 1776 Tavern Night at Bedford Historical Hall.

The celebrations, conversations, and community will continue all year as we remember the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Huzzah!

11/14/2025

Help us plan for the future! Take the John Jay Homestead Visitor Survey! What do you like to do at the site? What are we doing well? What can we improve?

Go here to begin: http://bit.ly/4oMFH86

05/28/2025

Register now for the Virtual Public Information Meeting hosted by New York State on the exciting planned capital improvements at John Jay Homestead SHS. Register at https://forms.office.com/g/U16b7H8Y1b

05/09/2025

Thank you to all who came out Tuesday for a fascinating evening with Richard Brookhiser, delving into the intricacies of John Trumbull's life and work. As the 2025 Lecture Series draws to a close, we invite you to view any talks you may have missed on our website under the Lecture tab.

05/05/2025

"A strikingly handsome and connected young man gets shot at, jailed as a suspected spy, and becomes entangled in extramarital affairs." Have you read the piece in by Joyce Corrigan about John Trumbull yet? If it piqued your interest, we hope you will join us tomorrow evening when we host Richard Brookhiser at to learn more and see own copy of Trumbull's The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill in person. Tickets are available at the link in bio.

Address

400 Jay Street
Katonah, NY
10536

Telephone

+19142328119

Website

http://www.johnjayhomestead.org/

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