Scholars of American History Honored for 250th at Historic Jay Estate in Rye

On Saturday, September 19th, in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Jay Heritage Center (JHC) gave the 2026 Jay Medals for Service to Pulitzer Prize winning author Annette Gordon-Reed and Lincoln historian Harold Holzer. The awards were bestowed in recognition of Gordon-Reed and Holzer's ongoing creation of vital access points for generations of people to place themselves in the American story. Both prominent authors have spoken at JHC on previous occasions. Chief Judge of the State of New York and the New York Court of Appeals, Honorable Rowan D. Wilson presented the medal to Professor Gordon-Reed. New York military historian and philanthropist Elihu Rose presented the medal to Professor Holzer.

A highlight of the evening was a message of congratulations to the 2026 Jay Medalists and to JHC from Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III: The Jay Heritage Center's mission could have been written specifically for Annette and Harold: 'To encourage people of all ages to understand, preserve and protect our shared heritage and to inspire future historians.' I would only amend that by saying future and current historians, since their work inspires me and so many other historians, many of whom are in attendance this evening.

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In her acceptance speech, Gordon-Reed detailed the doubts and opposition she met during years of researching the relationship of Thomas Jefferson, Sally Hemings and their biological children; by challenging the contradictory actions of the author of the Declaration of Independence, she was able to restore the forgotten voices of the Hemings family and give them irrefutable gravity and value.

Switching the focus from early American history to the 19th century, Holzer shared his observations about the commonalities and disparities between abolitionist John Jay II and President Abraham Lincoln as they tackled the complex issue of slavery left unresolved by the founders.

Earlier in the day, colleagues of the Jay medalists, historians Joanne Freeman, Frank Cogliano and David Blight, led a lively public discussion about America at 250 and what comes next for educators guiding balanced and intentional conversations about American democracy in the classroom. The new initiative was co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson Social Studies Council. The audience for both events included lineal descendants of John Jay and descendants of the earliest Afro-Indigenous families of Rye who have all been involved in the protection, restoration and interpretation of the landmark Jay Estate in Rye along with representatives of longstanding partner groups from the Preservation League of New York State, the American Women of African Heritage, and African American Men of Westchester.

Lead sponsors of the public program and medal dinner included the CHESS Foundation and Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP. Attendees included NY State Assemblyman Steve Otis, Senator Shelley Mayer, artist and former Arts Westchester CEO Janet Langsam, the current and former board presidents of the Preservation League of New York State, Patrick Ciccone and Frank Sanchis, the current and former board presidents of the American Women of African Heritage, Gloria Welcome and Francine Shorts, Hon. Terry Clements and Hon. Anant Nambiar, members of the Westchester County Board of Legislators and Rye City Councilwoman Marion Anderson.

The Jay Heritage Center (JHC) is a dynamic nonprofit which manages the Jay Estate in Rye, New York. The 23-acre park that they have preserved and interpreted since 1992 is an award-winning culture hub and wildlife refuge on Long Island Sound. Located in the heart of Westchester's only National Historic Landmark District, the site welcomes visitors April through November to learn about our nation's flawed yet precious democracy through indoor and outdoor public programs. Offerings about American History feature prominent writers and educators. Free horticulture and birding workshops teach guests about native plants and wildlife. Family-friendly concerts draw hundreds for old-fashioned fun and unplugged enjoyment. The site is a member of NY State's Path Through History and Westchester County's African American Heritage Trail. Sign up to volunteer or access all they offer at www.jayheritagecenter.org

Photos by Kim Crichlow.