John Jay's robe

Jay, John · late 18th century

A very active member of the founding generation, John Jay's roles included committed abolitionist, member and later president of the Continental Congress, diplomat, Peace Commissioner for the Treaty of Paris, co-author of The Federalist Papers, and the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. This silk robe, a recognizable symbol of his role as Chief Justice, speaks primarily to his judicial service but his appointment to that position demonstrates the interconnectedness of many avenues of civic engagement in the first decades of the nation.