2025 Medalists
Learn more about this year's medalists, including keynote speaker Bryan Stevenson.
Founder's Day at Monticello
April 13, 2026
No Shutdown for Monticello!
Monticello is a nonprofit that operates independently with the support of visitors like you. We remain open during the government shutdown. For details, check our Hours of Operation. We look forward to seeing you.
Join us for a special Founder’s Day weekend celebration at Monticello, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and featuring remarks from the 2026 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Citizen Leadership Medal recipient.
Keynote Address
Join us for the ceremony on Monticello’s West Lawn at 10 am.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Join us for our annual wreath-laying ceremony, which are typically 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.
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.
