In addition to the Standard Tour of John Jay’s historic Bedford House, we offer a wide selection of specialty tours focused on our collection, and on people and subjects relevant to John Jay, the Jay Family, and John Jay Homestead.
Thematic Tours
Specialty tours are offered at 2pm on days the Historic House is open. Each month we explore a new topic – check our calendar of events for information. These tours are also available by appointment. To make an appointment, please contact our Interpretation Coordinator. Topics we examine include:
American Revolution
Homes of the Founding Fathers
Huguenots
John Jay & Benjamin Franklin
John Jay & Alexander Hamilton
John Jay & George Washington
John Jay & Gouverneur Morris
John Jay & James Monroe
John Jay & John Adams
John Jay & Marquis de Lafayette
John Jay & the Presidents
John Jay & Thomas Jefferson
Lewis & Clark’s Great Expedition West
New York State Constitution
Slavery & Abolition
Treaty of Paris
United States Constitution
United States Supreme Court
War of 1812
Women of the Jay Family
Connecting to Collections: Fine Arts Tour
A guided exploration of the paintings and sculptures on display in John Jay’s Bedford home. The multiple generations of Jays who lived at the Homestead collected art in many forms including family portraits, an original landscape by Thomas Cole, a plaster bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon, and prints given to John Jay by John Trumbull of his most famous history paintings.
Connecting to Collections: Furniture Tour
A special look at the furniture on exhibit in John Jay’s Bedford home. Explore the styles, methods of construction, and fine materials of these fascinating artifacts created by artisans in America and Europe.
Connecting to Collections: Decorative Arts Tour
A tour of the decorative arts found throughout John Jay’s historic Bedford house. Experience the artistry required to produce elegant porcelain dinnerware, an intricate silver coffee service, a gilded candelabra, and so much more.
Curator’s Fabulous Finds
Join our knowledgeable staff for a customized, collections based discussion. This special opportunity includes an up-close examination of items, selected by our curator specifically for your group’s interest.
Holiday Tours
Celebrate the holiday season at John Jay Homestead with a guided tour of John Jay’s Bedford House focused on the holiday traditions and decorations of the 1820s. Please note that this tour is only offered during the month of December.