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Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence

  • Outdoor: Tented

Celebrate 250 years of Jefferson’s Declaration at Pen to Paper, an afternoon of conversation, music, poetry, and theater, honoring our most shared piece of history.

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  • Non-members, Pen to Paper program $20
  • Monticello Members, Pen to Paper program $10
  • Non-Member all-access pass (Pen to Paper + "Jefferson & Adams") $35
  • Member all-access pass (Pen to Paper + "Jefferson & Adams") $15

Overview

Featuring voices from across American public life, Pen to Paper reflects on the Declaration’s enduring words and looks forward to a spirit of civic renewal as the nation embraces its 250th anniversary. This program also launches DECLARE: A Civic Gospel, a new collaboration between Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the Arion Press of San Francisco.  

Join us after the program for a special performance of Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play

Learn More About the Play

A VA250 Signature Event, Pen to Paper takes place on Monticello’s iconic West Lawn, featuring:

  • A shared reading of the Declaration of the Independence
  • Remarks from VA250 Honorary Chair Carly Fiorina and Ted Gioia, Director of Program and Development from Arion Press
  • Musical performances by gospel musician Horace Scruggs
  • A panel discussion with DECLARE contributors, moderated by Monticello President and DECLARE editor Dr. Jane Kamensky
    • Maggie Blackhawk, Professor at NYU and prize-winning scholar
    • Dr. Andrew Davenport, historian and Vice President of Research at Monticello
    • Chip Kidd, graphic designer and writer
    • George Packer, journalist and novelist
    • Tré Seals, founder of Vocal Type and type designer
    • Poetry reading by Tim Seibles
  • Concessions, including award-winning Jefferson Vineyards wine and our own Monticello beer, will be available.

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Monticello gratefully acknowledges the partnership of More Perfect in our 250th anniversary initiatives.

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