Arthur Iselin jr. with Scottish terrier “pooh bear” Glass Porch, Bedford House C. 1923 JJ.2015.27 You may view the Object of the Day Archives HERE
Band Box Mid-19th century Pressed board and fabric Maker unknown JJ.1966.294 “Bands” referred to men’s detachable collars which the boxes were used to store originally in the 17th century. Band boxes were in wide use in the early 19th century and out of fashion by the Civil War. They served as protective packaging for new…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? How do you think this object was used? Do we use any objects like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery Object…
We usually offer a series of collections-based programming this time of year, but with the historic house closed in response to COVID-19, we are instead highlighting some collections items in a series of short videos. Watch Collections Manager Arthur Benware’s video presentation on John Jay’s Court Suit. Check back for a new video each week!
Forks c.1779-1782 Silver JJ.1966.284 These forks were donated to the Homestead by a Jay family descendant, Ellen Jay Garrison, John Jay’s Great-Great Granddaughter. Family tradition states that these were made for John Jay while he was serving as a Minister Plenipotentiary to Spain in the later years of the Revolution, trying to solicit…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what materials it is made of? How do you think this object was used? Do we use any objects like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery Object…
Ivory Seal C. 1830-1850 Ivory Maker Unknown JJ.1958.93 This ivory seal belonged to William Jay, son of John Jay. The ivory is turned and carved, with the initials “WJ” below the cross and pyramid on the seal. Leaf carving decorates the turned shaft. Originally designed to indicate a signature or to authenticate a document, wax…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? Why do you think this object has so many holes? How do you think this object was used? Do we…
Franz Schubert Music Book 1857 Paper, cardstock JJ.1958.389 Despite only living a short 31 years, Franz Schubert (1797-1828) composed more than 1,500 songs for solo voice and piano, and orchestra. This copy of his song Les Plaintes de la Jeune Fille was owned by Eleanor “Ella” Jay, the daughter of John Jay II and Eleanor…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What do you think this object was used for? Do we use any objects like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery…
Portrait: Mary Rutherfurd Jay Artist unknown 1875 Oil on Canvas JJ.1982.6 a&b Mary Rutherfurd Jay (1872-1953) was the great-great granddaughter of John Jay (1745-1829). She was the granddaughter of John Clarkson Jay (1808-1891) and Laura Prime (1812-1887), descending through Jay’s oldest son, Peter Augustus. This painting was done in 1875, when Mary was three…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Do you see any designs or images on this object? What do they look like? What do you think this object was used for? Do we use any objects like this today? …
Dutch Kast 1730 Maple, mahogany JJ.1966.308 This large cupboard, also known as a Dutch Kast, is from c. 1730 and made out of maple and mahogany wood. It has inlaid designs, including diamonds and light pronged stars on the outer front panels, as well as a maple star inlay on the paneled doors. The description…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at these objects, can you guess what materials they are made of? These two objects would be used at the same time. What do you think they were used to do? …
Sales Brochure for Bedford House 1956 Ink on Paper In 1956, Eleanor Jay Iselin’s heirs offered Bedford House for sale. Thankfully, in 1958/9, a deal was brokered to allow Westchester County to purchase the estate and confer it to the State of New York to be turned into a museum and historic site. You…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What do you think this object was used for? Do we use any objects like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery…
The Creation of the Animals 1760-1790 Ink on paper Charles-Nicolas Cochin (1715-1790) after Raphael (1483-1520) JJ.2006.30 This engraving of Raphael’s The Creation of the Animals was done by French engraver, Charles Nicolas Cochin. Born in Paris, Cochin studied engraving under his father, of the same name, and was a Parisian engraver for over 50…
Be an Object Detective – can you guess what today’s Mystery Object is? Here are some questions to answer about the object: Looking at this object, can you guess what material it is made of? What do you think this object was used for? Do we use any objects like this today? Yesterday’s Mystery…