Bring History to Life at the John Jay Historic Homestead

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About John Jay Historic Homestead State Historic Site

Location:

400 Jay Street, Katonah, NY 10536, US

Mission Statement

John Jay Homestead State Historic Site is one of the six state historic sites and twelve parks administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation-Taconic Region. John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, the home of one of America’s Founding Fathers, is looking to recruit new volunteers to celebrate the rich history of our country.

Description

During twenty-seven years of service to his state and nation, John Jay looked forward to the day when he would retire with his wife and family to "the house on my farm in Westchester County..." Living in the house until his death in 1829, he quietly enjoyed his life as a gentleman farmer. He was keenly interested in agriculture, horticulture, his family, his church, and the increasingly urgent issue of slavery.

Visitors to John Jay Homestead State Historic Site are invited to take a docent-led tour of John Jay’s Bedford House. The historic house’s interior has been restored to reflect its appearance during John Jay’s lifetime. Well over 50% of the furnishings are original to John Jay and his family.

Year-round volunteer opportunities include:

¨ Delivering tours of the historic house to the public

¨ Greeting visitors in our Carriage Barn Education & Visitor Center

¨ Assisting visitors with purchases in our Gift Shop

¨ Assisting with programs for school children

¨ Completing historic research

¨ Working with historic collections and archives