John Jay Homestead — Attraction in Town of Bedford

In the present day and age what is happening here is inexcusable. This was a slave farm. The Jays came from old world money. John, our first US Supreme Court Chief Justice and the NY governor, owned slaves. Why does New York cover up this history, rather than grapple with it like in Monticello for T Jefferson, and Montpelier for James Madison?

There are no physical records, markers, or anything on the property that deal with this. There is a minor discussion on the website, which needs at least the following correction: to be sure, when a slave owner believes in manumission but continues to own people, that is not to be considered “conflicting,” it is hypocritical — that is the word.

People who were treated as property lived here, where we now come for our Saturday farmers market.

As a citizen, I simply demand that as the building restoration concludes in a couple of years this whitewashing will...

I attended a 1/2 hour free history tidbits event my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed. After the talk, we strolled the beautiful garden that has begun the changes September brings, the waning phlox, hydrangea, and variety of textures and colors of the ornamental leaves. If you'd like more history, in the gift shop, push the start button to see a short film on Jay's life. And pick up some Jay homestead honey while...

This is a great home of one of.our founding fathers that I did not know much about. The guide was wonderful and she explained many interesting things about John Jay and what role he played in the founding of our country and state. This is fascinating and worth the time and money to visit. There are also many interesting and senic hiking trails....