Posts By: Heather Iannucci

This month’s story looks at one of the most interesting and eccentric Jays of the 20th century, Chanler Chapman (1901-1982). Chanler was the only son of American writer John Jay Chapman (1862-1933) and Elizabeth Chapman (1866-1937). John was the great-great grandson of John Jay (1745-1829), and Elizabeth was an Astor descendant. Chanler grew up on…

John Jay II (1817-1894) played an integral role in the founding of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. His position as President of the Union League Club of New York City enabled him to bring together prestigious artists and philanthropists together to create an art institution that would best represent America’s unique national identity. It all…

This month’s family story takes a closer look at early feminism in the Jay family.  John Jay once wrote to his daughter Sarah Louisa, “I am not anxious that you should be what is called a ‘learned Lady’ but it would mortify me to have any of my children classed with the ignorant and illiterate.” …