Founders Day Weekend

Celebrate Founders Day at Monticello with two days of programming. On Saturday, join us for a public conversation on the West Lawn between General James Mattis (Ret.) and David M. Rubenstein. 

On Sunday, the annual wreath-laying ceremony commemorates Jefferson’s 283rd birthday, accompanied by stirring performances from the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. Afterwards, meet local community partners, try out hands-on activities for all ages at the Mountaintop Activity Center, and enjoy a complimentary cupcake.

Monticello Members receive special access and pricing for events and programming, including Founders Day Weekend. Join today!

2026 Community Partners for Founders Day Weekend

Join us in the Community Partners Tent to learn more about organizations making a difference in our community. Open 12 - 4 PM.

Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Alliance Française de Charlottesville
Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau
Charlottesville City Offices of Voter Registration and Elections
The Descendants of Enslaved Communities of Virginia
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
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
    Albemarle Chapter | Jack Jouett Chapter
University of Virginia Karsh Institute of Democracy

Monticello Departments and Projects

Archaeology
Civic Partnerships Fellows
Getting Word African American History Department
Jefferson Library
Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies
Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series