Gardens at Jay Heritage Center Receives New York State Historic Preservation Award
The Jay Estate Gardens at the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is the recipient of a 2022 New York State Historic Preservation Award. The awards, created in 1980, are presented each year by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to honor excellence in the protection and revitalization of historic and cultural resources.
The Rye site was one of nine projects and one individual acknowledged by Governor Kathy Hochul, who noted that “preserving notable landmarks across New York allows us to celebrate our shared history and honor our collective past.”
In a statement from the Governor’s office, the “Excellence in Nonprofit Achievement” award recognized the Jay Estate Gardens by stating:
“The transformational design of the gardens not only reflects the historic context, but emphasizes an intentionality to restore native species and original voices and to cultivate an appreciation and understanding of sustainable landscapes through partnerships and public outreach.”
The Gardens, which had its ribbon cutting last spring, is (as described on their website) “an expansive, educational, green space where American history, sustainability and diverse cultural narratives all converge.”
“Now it’s on to the next phase,” says JHC Executive Director Kevin Peraino. “[That] includes a gorgeous alley of cherry trees that were sponsored by the Japan Society – as well as other potential projects we’re currently looking to fund.”
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest private not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable Westchester County in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue. artsw.org
