2025 Medalists
Learn more about this year's medalists, including keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson.
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.
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
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 Recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Award in Citizen Service
Learn more about Mr. Martize Tolbert, who receives this award on behalf of The Fountain Fund.
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
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
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
