An Evening with Steve Berry, NYT Bestselling Author

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ALBANY, NY (10/28/2011)(readMedia)-- Steve Berry, a master of thrillers with a historic twist, will discuss his latest book, The Jefferson Key (Ballantine Books, May 17, 2011), at a reception to benefit the Preservation League of New York State and the Jay Heritage Center. The reception is slated for Thursday, November 3 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Jay Heritage Center, 210 Boston Post Road in Rye.

Berry is an author and philanthropist whose foundation, History Matters, raises funds for a wide variety of historic preservation projects around the country. He is a fixture on the New York Times bestseller lists with 12 million books in print in 40 languages in 51 countries.

The action in The Jefferson Key, which was called "...a feast of historical imagination" by Publishers Weekly, revolves around little-known clause in the United States Constitution that gives Congress the power to issue letters of marque – that is, to sanction piracy.

"What better place to discuss such fascinating history and issues of Constitutional Law than at the boyhood home of America's first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court?" said Jay DiLorenzo, the President of the Preservation League.

The Jay Property in Rye is the boyhood home of New York State's only native Founding Father, John Jay (1745-1829).

Located next to a marshlands preserve with public trails, this sylvan and historic 23-acre park is all that remains of the original 400-acre Jay family estate where America's first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and author of The Jay Treaty grew up. The centerpiece of this National Historic Landmark is an 1838 Greek Revival mansion with soaring Corinthian columns built by Peter Augustus Jay atop the footprint of his father and grandfather's original home.

Through extensive travel to research and promote his books, Steve Berry has come to realize that history is so much more than tangible items – it is the story of who we are. "Unique places like the Jay House and other sites around New York State, both grand and modest, provide authentic links to the stories of our state and nation's history," continued DiLorenzo. "We applaud Steve for his work with History Matters, and are delighted that he is leveraging the popularity of his books – and his obvious love of history -- to foster support for historic restoration and preservation."

The evening will include a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by a talk featuring Berry's well-known wit and historical insight at 7:00 p.m. Books will be available for signing. Tickets are $25 for members of either the Jay Heritage Center or the Preservation League, and $35 for the general public. Reservations may be made by calling 914-698-9275 or by email at jayhc@earthlink.net .

The Preservation League of New York State – New York's only statewide historic preservation organization – is dedicated to promoting historic preservation as a tool to revitalize our neighborhoods, honor our heritage, and enrich our lives.

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