Feast of Reason

Conversations about society, politics, and community shape life in the United States. Thomas Jefferson understood this and hosted dinners known for stunning food and sparking conversation.

Inspired by Jefferson's legendary dinner parties—where great minds gathered to exchange ideas over food and drink—Monticello's Feast of Reason is an engaging program that encourages conversations about civics over a meal using prompts and questions provided by our conversation card deck.

2025 Feast of Reason Event Series

Charlottesville and Richmond Locations

We're celebrating Civic Season 2025 and kicking off a new edition of the Feast of Reason conversation card deck with three events in Charlottesville and Richmond. Registration is free and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Digital Version

For Educators

In 2024, New American History collaborated with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to share a digitized version of the Feast of Reason. Host your own “Jeffersonian dinner” in the dorm or classroom, around the family dinner table, in a video chat, or any social space. Promote civil discourse across generations or across the miles! Explore

Bring a taste of Monticello to your table

Recipes and Videos

Below are four recipes from Monticello to add some historic flavor to your own Feast of Reason. Download and print the PDFs for your recipe book or follow along with the videos below.