The Jay Heritage Center has been a proud member of the African American Heritage Trail since 2004 . Over the last 15 years, we have preserved and shared compelling and complex stories about our American Mosaic, past and present. Most recently we participated in a discussion about how JHC and other cultural, educational, civic and religious institutions can raise greater awareness about the contributions African Americans have made in Westchester over the last 400 years, since the first enslaved men, women and children were brought to the English colonies in 1619. We came up with many ideas and there is much more to come as we act on supporting the initiatives embodied in the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act.

Starting this month, we hope you will join us as we partner with the American Women of African Heritage, Storyhorse Documentary Theatre and the African American Advisory Board to host 5 different events that recognize the impact of slavery and discrimination but also celebrate 4 centuries of strength, excellence and resiliency.
TODAY!
MLK Literary Celebration
Sunday, February 3rd, 2 - 5pm
Don't miss meeting these two exceptional writers!

Tickets purchased for original January 21 date will be honored
Authors' Readings, Reception and Book Signing $70 per person
Tickets may be purchased at the door, checks or cash only.
With Jennifer Jones Austin, Esq., Consider It Pure Joy and Alexis Clark, Enemies in Love: A German POW, a Black Nurse and an Unlikely Romance
Each author has a powerful narrative about the African American experience. This Annual Literary Tea is organized by the American Women of African Heritage (AWAH) and will be held at the Jay Heritage Center for the 5th consecutive year. Read about last year's event here.

Jennifer Jones Austin, a child and family advocate, is Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), an anti-poverty, policy and advocacy organization with 170 member human services agencies operating throughout New York City. Prior to joining FPWA, Ms. Jones Austin served as Senior Vice President of United Way NYC, Family Services Coordinator for Mayor Bloomberg.She currently is a Board Member of the National Action Network, the New York Blood Center, the NYC Board of Correction, and the Fund for Public Housing.
 
Alexis Clark is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Town & Country, NBC News Digital, Condé Nast Traveler, The Smithsonian Magazine and other publications. Her debut book, Enemies in Love — the true story of a black army nurse who falls in love with a German prisoner of war interned at a camp in a Jim Crow state — was published by The New Press in May 2018. Clark first wrote about black nurses and German POWs in WWII for  The New York Times  in 2013 and was awarded multiple research grants from the Ford Foundation. Previously, Alexis was a senior editor at Town & Country covering cultural and philanthropic events across the country, including President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009.

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] for further information or click here for more info.
3 Full Performances of "The Kept Private" by Storyhorse Documentary Theater
plus Talkbacks with the Directors and Actors Saturday Evening
Ideal for educators and high school history students!
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE!
February 9 at 3pm and 6:30pm
February 10 at 3pm
Born about 1742 ,  Andrew Frazier , an African American farmer, served in the military from 1775 – 1778. As a wagon team leader he transported enemy munitions to be melted down for reuse and he was among the troops that marched in the  Battle of Harlem, as well as through  New Rochelle and Rye , and in the  Battle of  White Plains . But his quest to receive remuneration for his service was challenging, particularly because he was black and likely enslaved at the time of his service.

Experience this compelling drama and delve into a rarely discussed chapter of New York State’s Revolutionary War history. Read more here
Music Melts the Polar Vortex! WITH
"Jams at Jay!"
Thank you to everyone who helped make our first  #JamsatJay  such a huge success! Over 100 Woody Guthrie lovers got out their plaid shirts and jeans and headed over to our toasty Carriage House to chase away the winter chill with music from the  Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective  The strains of guitar, bass and fiddle made for a super casual and totally enjoyable night!

Join us for more jams on every First Friday of the month. Next up - Margaret McDuffie and Co. on March 1
JHC Members $20, General Admission $25.
First set at 7:15 pm. Second set at 8:45 pm.
Admission includes both sets of music.
Limited to 150 guests.
Become a Member Today!
Enjoy discounted admission to lectures and concerts like Jams at Jay. Be the first to know about exciting workshops or hands-on experiences. Become part of a community of life time learners.
Jay Heritage Center at the Jay Estate
A National Historic Landmark
210 Boston Post Road, Rye, NY 10580 
www.jayheritagecenter.org
(914) 698-9275