New Podcasts
From Silhouettes to Mockingbirds
Our newest episodes look at the early 19th-century craze for silhouettes, animals at Monticello, the Library of Congress, and Jefferson's interest in astronomy.
Visit Monticello this summer!
Fully vaccinated guests are no longer required to wear facial coverings when outdoors at Monticello. All guests age 5 and up must continue to wear a face covering when indoors and when on shuttle buses. Learn more »
Experience Monticello
New!
The Paradox of Liberty
Explore the paradox of the American Revolution—the fight for liberty in an era of pervasive slavery—through the lens of Monticello and its inhabitants.
Iconic images and breathtaking vistas
The Best Views at Monticello
From the "nickel view" of the main house to Jefferson's favorite outdoor reading spot.
New Video
The Legacy of the Declaration
Monticello’s Manager of Historic Interpretation Brandon Dillard discusses what the Declaration meant and the ongoing endeavor to realize its promise.
Almost 250 Years Later
The Declaration of Independence Around the World
How have the words and ideas of the Declaration of Independence impacted human rights around the world?
An emotional experience
The Life of Sally Hemings exhibit
One of the most famous African American women in U.S. history . . . and one of the least known.
Visitor Guide
Exploring Slavery at Monticello
Learn about the men, women, and children who lived and labored at Monticello during your visit.
Livestream
August 3, 1p.m.
Join us for a live Q&A with Thomas Jefferson, interpreted by Bill Barker, as we discuss Jefferson’s various trips, his fastidious record-keeping during travel, and what he learned from those experiences.
What's Happening
Visiting Jefferson’s estate engages the senses, stimulates the mind and provides a rewarding experience for all ages and interests.
New Ways to Experience Monticello
Check out all the ways you can experience Monticello online or in person and see what we've been up in recent months.
Aug 9
Transatlantic Slavery Symposium
A virtual symposium co-hosted by the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, the Benjamin Franklin House, and the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington with the aim to bring together scholars from both sides of the Atlantic to address the lasting impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Thomas Jefferson
Get to know Thomas Jefferson—author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia.
Slavery at Monticello
Thomas Jefferson enslaved over six hundred people throughout his life. Learn about the men, women, and children who built Jefferson's home, planted his crops, tended his gardens, and who helped run his household and raise his children.
Quoting Thomas Jefferson
Real or imagined? Find a Jefferson Quote Here
Thomas Jefferson is one of the most frequently quoted (and misquoted) figures in American history. Search this extensive collection of quotes by and about Thomas Jefferson—all fully verified and cited by the editors of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series.