In honor of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America, we are proud to offer events commemorating this exciting year.
Scholars Series: Ideas That Made America
The 2026 Scholars Series highlights leading scholars as they explore the ideas that made America—equality, citizenship, and the pursuit of knowledge—as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding.
Victoria Johnson, American Eden: David Hosack, Botany, and Medicine in the Garden of the Early Republic
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
David Hosack (1769-1835) transformed medicine and surgery, medicinal and agricultural botany, and the intellectual and cultural life of New York City. He knew virtually every major European scientist, and virtually every American Founder – he was the physician who attended both Hamilton and Burr at their duel. Lively and learned, American Eden was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History (2019) and the National Book Award for Nonfiction (2018), among many other awards and prizes. Victoria Johnson is Professor of Urban Policy and Planning at Hunter College in New York City. View this lecture here.
Akhil Reed Amar, Born Equal: Remaking America’s Constitution, 1840–1920
Thursday, April 9, 2026
The second in a trilogy about America’s Constitution, Born Equal follows The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840; Amar asks us to consider 10 possible meanings of the word “equal.” A widely published and cited Constitutional scholar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale and winner of their DeVane Medal for excellence in teaching, he has spoken twice at the John Jay Homestead, about New York and the US Constitution, and in an interview with Albie Sachs, about the Constitution of South Africa. He is sometimes called a “liberal originalist,” and that is what he calls Lincoln. Learn more and get tickets here.
James Traub, The Cradle of Citizenship: How Schools Can Help Save Our Democracy
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Founders wanted schools to teach students to understand our political system and to engage in reasoned political debate as adults; the Schoolhouse at John Jay Homestead was built for Jay children and also for the children of tenant farmers and farm hands. Historian, journalist and former Friends of John Jay Homestead speaker on his renowned John Quincy Adams: Militant Spirit, Traub spent a year exploring how schools now teach students–or fail to teach them–the essentials of American history and government, as well as how to use that knowledge in respectful, informed debate. Note: the talk will be preceded by a short business section of our Annual Meeting. Learn more and get tickets here.
Farm Market
Saturdays, May 2, 2026 through November 21, 2026
The John Jay Homestead Farm Market returns for its 16th season in 2026 in downtown Katonah Village! Join us every Saturday from May 2 through November 21, 9am–2pm, for the vibrant market you know and love—featuring the finest New York-grown produce, ethically raised meats and eggs, fresh breads, seafood, and artisan foods and goods from dozens of outstanding vendors.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Market will host a weekly Rev Up 250 coalition tent highlighting local history and civic engagement, along with a special Fourth of July Market celebration. Enjoy live music, meet local nonprofits and Katonah Village Chamber of Commerce members, and experience the lively community spirit that makes Saturdays in Katonah so special.
Diplomacy at Home: The Domestic Lives of the Founding Families
June 28, 2026 – October 4, 2026 at Katonah Museum of Art
This exhibition explores the private worlds of America’s founders through furniture, fine art, decorative, and personal objects from their homes—revealing how domestic spaces shaped political life and diplomacy. With special focus on New York figures such as John Jay and Alexander Hamilton among others, Diplomacy at Home: The Domestic Lives of the Founding Families also foregrounds the essential roles of women including Martha Washington and Sarah Jay, who were instrumental to the development of the political and diplomatic culture of the newly formed United States. The exhibition highlights the value of material culture in defining the Founding Families’ central role as the architects who framed the foundation for our collective national history and explores the meaning of “home” across lives defined by public service. Diplomacy at Home: The Domestic Lives of the Founding Families is organized by the Katonah Museum of Art in collaboration with the Friends of John Jay Homestead, John Jay Homestead State Historic Site, and the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation.
1776 (Musical)
June 18, 2026 – June 28, 2026 at Bedford Historical Hall
Experience the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in musical fashion and in Bedford’s Historical Hall! Lil Horn LLC and Katonah Classic Stage present 1776 the Musical by Peter Stone. With support from Bedford Historical Society, Friends of John Jay Homestead, and the Town of Bedford. Casting and ticketing TBA.
Performances: June 18, 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30pm. June 21 and 28 at 3:00pm.
1776 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Rev Up 250
Bedford’s 2026 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and beginning of the American Revolution will be a town-wide effort to lift up the principles of the Declaration of Independence that were fought for during the American Revolution and continue to be necessary for democracy today.
Events for Rev Up 250 are designed to spark participation, civil discourse and engagement. Hosted by a variety of coalition members, they will peer back to the nation’s history 250 years ago and since, they highlight ideals of the Declaration of Independence regarding life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, they may challenge our understanding of our shared ideals, or they may just present opportunities for the community to come together.