Jackson Krase (’21): Reviving a Historic Landmark in Westchester

“What we have at IWP is incredibly special, and I’m very grateful for my time there. It is rare these days to have students who are really passionate about a subject and to be taught by faculty who are equally passionate.”
-Jackson Krase (’21)

Jackson Krase (’21) is already immersed in his second career. After studying national security at IWP and conducting research in foreign and defense policy at a D.C. think tank, Jackson has embarked on a new passion project—one rooted in history and community.

Together with two family members, Jackson has rescued a historic property from demolition: the Kittle House Inn, a Chappaqua, New York landmark dating back to the 1790s. Currently undergoing extensive renovations, the property is set to reopen in September as a restaurant, inn, and event space.

We spoke with Jackson about the international experiences that sparked his interest in foreign affairs, his time at IWP, and his latest venture revitalizing a cherished piece of local history.

Discovering a Passion for International Relations

Jackson’s interest in global affairs began when he moved to London for the first two years of high school. Having grown up in a small town in New York, he found himself at an international school where only two other students in his grade were American.

“It opened my eyes to how big the world is,” said Jackson. “That experience got me interested in international relations.”

His passion led him to double major in political science and global studies at the University of Richmond. He went on to intern at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism in Israel, complete advanced Arabic training in Egypt, and work with the Program on Extremism at George Washington University.

Learning from National Security Professionals

During this time, Jackson realized he was missing something: the opportunity to learn directly from seasoned practitioners in national security and international affairs.

“I wanted that next level of education,” he explained.

After hearing strong recommendations from an alumnus, Jackson enrolled in IWP’s Certificate in National Security Affairs program.

“It was a small classroom environment where everyone was passionate about the subject,” he said. “And the professors weren’t just teaching from textbooks—they were teaching from real-world experience. That’s something you can’t get just anywhere.”

Jackson began the program in January 2020 and enjoyed building connections and participating in activities such as wargames—until the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift to virtual learning.

“I missed being in the classroom, but we didn’t skip a beat when it came to the material,” he recalled.

One of his favorite classes was a course on nuclear deterrence with Prof. Rebeccah Heinrichs. “Prof. Heinrichs did an amazing job breaking down a complex issue and making it approachable,” Jackson said. “That class taught me how to think critically and strategically.”

Researching Foreign Policy in Washington, D.C.

While studying at IWP, Jackson also interned in Middle East studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). His performance there earned him a full-time position as a research assistant in national security and foreign policy. He supported two scholars with research, publications, media appearances, and scheduling—and even managed an intern of his own.

A New Chapter: Winemaking and Historic Preservation

As the pandemic wore on, Jackson made a bold move: he left D.C. to pursue another long-standing interest.

“I had always loved wine and winemaking,” he said. He worked at a vineyard, fully immersing himself in the world of wine—a major pivot from his previous career.

Then, in September 2024, an opportunity arose close to home.

“A historic inn in my hometown was being sold with plans to demolish it,” said Jackson. “It was a special place for my family – so many of our most important occasions had been celebrated there.”

Built in 1790, the Kittle House Inn is a local landmark with a rich history. Jackson and his family stepped in to preserve it, acquiring not just the building but also its renowned wine cellar, which holds an astonishing 30,000 selections.

Now, they are working to restore and revitalize the property, with plans to reopen its doors this September.

“It’s definitely different from anything I thought I would be doing,” said Jackson. “But it’s incredibly exciting.”

Lessons that Endure

Despite the change in career paths, Jackson continues to draw on the lessons he learned at IWP.

“One of the most valuable things IWP taught me—beyond the subject matter—was how to think,” he reflected. “I learned how to take an unfamiliar problem, break it down, and approach it with logic and structure. That skill has been invaluable, even in this completely different field.”

Jackson’s story is a powerful example of how a strong educational foundation—paired with a willingness to follow one’s passions—can lead to unexpected and deeply meaningful new directions.