John Jay Homestead

Visitors to the John Jay Homestead in Katonah, N.Y., can see how a wealthy Westchester family lived in the early 1800’s. John Jay was the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and retired to the family home in Katonah in 1801. Restored to that period, the John Jay Homestead is open for guided tours; the current special exhibit is Slaves, Slavery and the Jay Family. There is a farm museum in the Main Barn. Visiting hours for the house are Sunday through Wednesday, 10 to 4, April through October (10 to 3, November-March). Tours cost $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and are free for children up to 12 years. School and group visits are by appointment only.  The grounds are open year ’round from 8 to 6.

Special events include lecture series, concerts, military encampments, an annual Labor Day Chess Tournament, and programs for children. History Adventure Days, a series of week-long programs will take place July 25-29, Aug. 1-5 and Aug. 8-12. A State Historic Site, the homestead is overseen by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation and is supported by the Friends of the John Jay Homestead.Details

The John Jay Homestead is on Route 22 in Katonah, N.Y., south of Route 35. For more information or to join the Homestead volunteers, call 914-232-5651 or visit johnjayhomestead.org.