Celebrating the Fourth

Your support makes programs like Independence Day at Monticello possible. Help us continue our important work.

Donate Now

Founder's Day at Monticello

April 11-13, 2025

Join us for a special Founder’s Day weekend celebration at Monticello, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and featuring remarks from the 2025 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Citizen Leadership Medal recipient.

April 11 Weather Note: Current forecasts predict rain and chilly weather. For the comfort of all in attendance, the ceremony and activities will take place under a large, heated tent.

Founder's Day keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson's headshot next to a photo of Monticello's West Lawn
Keynote Address FRIDAY, APRIL 11 - Join us with Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, as our keynote speaker at 10:00 a.m. on Monticello’s West Lawn.
Wreath laying ceremony at Thomas Jefferson's grave, including a fife and drum corp
Wreath-Laying Ceremony SUNDAY, APRIL 13 - Join us for Jefferson's birthday and our annual wreath-laying ceremony accompanied by performances from the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, children's activities, and complimentary cupcakes.

To commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s birthday (known locally as Founder’s Day) the University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello join together to present the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals to recognize achievements of those who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. president, excelled and held in high regard. These medals are the highest external honors bestowed by the University of Virginia, which grants no honorary degrees.

Throughout the weekend join us in the Community Partner Tent on the West Lawn!

  • Talk with our community partners, on hand to showcase their vital work in the community. 
    • Friday, April 11: 9am – 12pm
    • Saturday, April 12: 9am – 1pm
    • Sunday, April 13: 12pm – 4pm
  • Meet Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker, during an expanded performance schedule in the tent. Guests can hear from Jefferson, ask him questions about his life, wish him a happy birthday, and take photos.
    Appearance Times:
    • Friday, April 11: 11am – 12pm
    • Saturday, April 12: 10 – 10:30am; 11 - 11:30am; 12- 12:30pm
    • Sunday, April 13: 12 – 12:30pm; 1 – 1:30pm; 2 – 2:30 pm; 3 – 3:30 pm
  • Visit the Mountaintop Activity Center, where kids can enjoy fun, hands-on activities like writing with a quill or cracking a cypher code.
    • Friday, April 11: 10am – 4pm
    • Saturday, April 12: 10am – 4pm
    • Sunday, April 13: 11am– 4pm
  • Stop by the Monticello Pop-up Shop, and peruse a curated selection of Monticello-grown products, books, décor, and other specialty items.

Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals

2025 Medalists

Learn more about this year's medalists, including keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson.

Meet the organizations making a difference in our community

Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society

Alliance Française de Charlottesville

Center for Nonprofit Excellence 

Central Virginia Community Justice

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau

Charlottesville Albemarle Offices of Voter Registration and Elections

Descendants of the Enslaved Community at UVA

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville

International Rescue Committee

James Monroe’s Highland

Jefferson School African American Heritage Center 

League of Women Voters of the Charlottesville Area

Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville/Albemarle

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
     Albemarle Chapter
     Jack Jouett Chapter

Poplar Forest

UVA Karsh Institute of Democracy

Monticello Departments and Projects
     Archaeology
     Getting Word African American Oral History Project
     Human Resources
     Jefferson Library
     The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series
     Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies
     Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants

ADDRESS:
1050 Monticello Loop
Charlottesville, VA 22902
GENERAL INFORMATION:
(434) 984-9800