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Many Threads—One Story Orientation Timeline

A timeline exhibit exploring the interconnected stories of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello, and North America from pre-colonial times to the present day.

An adult and two children read the wall sign explaining the Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence, beside mural painting of the signing.

Start your Monticello experience here. The Many Threads—One Story Orientation Timeline offers the perfect introduction to the people, events, and ideas you'll encounter throughout your visit. Spanning from pre-colonial times to the present day, the exhibit weaves together the stories of Thomas Jefferson and many others who lived at Monticello, revealing how a diverse community of people both shaped and was shaped by the struggle to create a new nation. 

Featuring historical artwork, archaeological artifacts recovered from the plantation, and an architectural model of Jefferson's first design for the Monticello house, the timeline connects the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to Monticello's ongoing role as a place of education and commemoration. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore something new, this exhibit will enrich everything else you see on the mountaintop.