EXCELSIOR!

Why NY State's Motto Matters More Than Ever

The Latin motto on the Great Seal of New York State means " Onward! " It's a sentiment that could not be more relevant in these unprecedented times. On the 243rd anniversary of the adoption of the New York State Constitution, JHC President Suzanne Clary explains why we are seeing and hearing this word so much during Governor Andrew Cuomo 's press conferences and how it represents the aspirations of John Jay and our Founders.

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Plus, JHC in the news...

Our board and staff have been busy over these past weeks trying to help interpret our new reality and put it in the context of history. JHC Advisory Board member Prof. Nick Robinson weighs in with a piece in Scientific American about the connection between pandemics and the health of our planet. And I wrote an article for Politico Magazine about coronavirus and the uses of history. For more on this topic, check out this interview I did with WBAL News Radio in Baltimore on what we can learn from past pandemics .

Partnership with Columbia University

Our collaboration with Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) — facilitated by JHC board member and Rye resident Jorge Otero-Pailos — continues to bear fruit. After a recent visit to JHC, GSAPP student James Churchill made a series of drawings and watercolors of the Jay Estate's 1917 Palmer Indoor Tennis House. He depicted the fate of the building without intervention and after preservation as part of a project for an aesthetics class. (Can you find the tennis racket in the image on the left?) We love the second image and are working very hard to continue stabilization of this building. New electrical service was brought in just last month for the first time in 30 years. We are also delighted to have hired Apple Restoration and Waterproofing, whose other projects have included restoration of the Edgar Allen Poe Cottage . Stay tuned for more updates!

Virtual Book Club!

Due to ongoing social distancing guidelines, we have postponed our May 15 author talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson . But please join us on the evening of May 28th at 6 p.m. for a virtual book group via videoconference to discuss Atkinson's new history, " The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1773-1777 ." Space is limited, so please register in advance here .

More JHC Video Classics!

Hearth & Earth Luncheon with Central Park Conservancy Garden Designer LYNDEN MILLER

While we're all locked down at home, we're continuing to share some of JHC's greatest hits. The Central Park Conservatory Garden is one of Manhattan's most beautiful oases. How does it stay that way? Good planning and dedicated volunteers are a huge part of its success. Green thumbs will enjoy these inspiring remarks from landscape design legend Lynden Miller, who spoke at our 2017 Hearth & Earth Luncheon at American Yacht Club . We dedicate this to all our garden volunteers, past and future!

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For the kids...

APRIL 22 IS THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY! Help your kids celebrate by coloring this image of the New York state bird, the bluebird ! The booklet includes official symbols, native flowers, trees, and fun facts about New York State. Download the full coloring book here ! Speaking of birds ... We're proud to support the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act . Its objectives include restoration of critical habits, reduction of flood risks, and a continued goal to fight harmful invasive species. Find out more here!

Jay Estate & African-American Cemetery in Rye Among 14 Sites Profiled in New Heritage Guide This spring, immerse yourself in the rich narratives and culture of Westchester County with this new African-American History Trail brochure, available online here .

Heading Here Don't forget Arbor Day, Friday, April 24! The image and flowers here are from a native red maple. Learn more.

Jay Heritage Center at the Jay Estate A National Historic Landmark 210 Boston Post Road Rye, NY 10580  www.jayheritagecenter.org (914) 698-9275

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