Virginia Archaeology Month Open House
Included with Every Ticket
Monticello Moments
Fall Family Days
- Included with Every Ticket
- Complimentary parking
Enjoy the sights, flavors, and fun of fall at Monticello with hands-on activities for kids, family garden tours, performances by Thomas Jefferson, and more.
Activities:
Archaeology in Action September 19th only: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
See archaeological excavations and talk with Monticello’s archaeology staff. See what we’ve been finding, including artifact displays.
Mountaintop Activity Center 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Enjoy fun, hands-on activities designed for families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects.
Farm Shop 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
There will be exclusive tastings of Monticello Farm and Garden foods – including a limited-edition, seasonal ice cream.
5 Senses in the Garden 11:00AM, 3:00 PM
This family-friendly activity invites young explorers to experience Monticello’s vegetable garden through all five senses. Kids will discover colorful blooms and vegetables, smell fragrant herbs, listen for birdsong and crackling seeds, and explore the textures of fruits and leaves. Afterward, families are encouraged to continue the experience with a tasting at the Farm Shop.
Declaration Print Shop 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by printing your own Declaration at Monticello.
Meet Thomas Jefferson 11:30, 12:30, 2:30, 3:30
Guests can meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) in person in this dynamic and interactive experience.
Music
9/19 - David McCormick
Violinist David McCormick brings Monticello's musical history to life, from Lafayette's visit to the Black Fiddlers and family tunes the Jeffersons once played. Performances at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. (about 20 minutes each), with time afterward for questions.
9/26 - Dr. Dena Jennings
Physician, luthier, artist, and farmer Dr. Dena Jennings brings the sounds of early string bands and mountain music to Monticello with a modern flare. A seventh-generation Appalachian and award-winning tradition bearer of Affrolachian music and dance, Dr. Dena plays instruments she's built or restored herself — and invites you to sing along. Performances at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. (about 20 minutes each), with time afterward for questions.
Full Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Mountaintop Activity Center |
| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Community Partners |
| 10:00 AM | Music - David McCormick (9/19) and Dr. Dena Jennings (9/26) |
| 11:00 AM | Music - David McCormick (9/19) and Dr. Dena Jennings (9/26) |
| 11:00 AM | 5 Senses in the Garden |
| 11:30 AM | Meet Thomas Jefferson |
| 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Declaration Print Shop |
| 12:30 PM | Meet Thomas Jefferson |
| 1:00 PM | Music - David McCormick (9/19) and Dr. Dena Jennings (9/26) |
| 2:00 PM | Music - David McCormick (9/19) and Dr. Dena Jennings (9/26) |
| 2:30 PM | Meet Thomas Jefferson |
| 3:00 PM | 5 Senses in the Garden |
| 3:30 PM | Meet Thomas Jefferson |
Community Partners
 |  |