Monticello Blog

Today marks 100 days on the mountaintop for our new president, Dr. Jane Kamensky! Since Dr. Kamensky’s arrival in mid-January, she’s dived into her role, connected with colleagues across departments, and laid the groundwork for important initiatives ahead—including the generational opportunity that is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Get a behind-the-scenes look in today’s blog.

Today we at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello are saddened to announce the recent passing of two former leaders, Brenton S. Halsey and Alice Warner Handy. Both were key players in the Foundation's and Monticello's history, contributing immensely to its stability and growth.

For decades Mr. Rubera—who joined us in person as often as he could—and his cake were a mainstay at our Founder’s Day ceremony. It is with a heavy heart that this year will not hold the same tradition, as Mr. Rubera recently passed away.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of former Thomas Jefferson Foundation Trustee and Board Chairman, Thomas A. Saunders III.

We at Monticello are saddened by the recent passing of historian and biographer David McCullough. His accolades speak to the significant impact of his career...

The recent news cycle has seen a number of articles and a television interview proclaiming that Monticello is no longer a place where you can learn about Thomas Jefferson’s contributions to American history. Instead, these stories claim that the only thing you can learn is that Jefferson was a slaveholder. These stories are disappointing and inaccurate, but not at all surprising.

Part of a two-day event to honor Monticello's Getting Word community and the re-dedication of the Burial Ground for Enslaved People, this public program highlights the importance of descendant voices in the telling of American history—voices that have often been marginalized, or left out completely. Featured speakers include filmmaker Ava DuVernay, The Atlantic writer Clint Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed, musician Wynton Marsalis, Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, descendants of families who were enslaved at Monticello, and more.

The unprovoked invasion of a sovereign state by another violates fundamental international law and reminds us that engines of despotism and lawlessness still exist and must be opposed.

A new book by John Meacham