Focusing In

From the overall design of the house to the smallest details, Jefferson carefully designed Monticello to elevate American taste, calling it his “essay in Architecture.”

Jefferson and Franklin: An Enlightened Friendship

Thomas Jefferson and his “great and dear friend” Benjamin Franklin, whose work and ideals Jefferson respected and championed for a half century after their first meeting, stand like two pillars of the American Enlightenment.

Summertime on the Mountaintop

After two years of distanced visitation and virtual online events, Monticello once again bustled with a full slate of summer activities.

It's All in the Details

Jefferson’s curiosity was famously broad, and he developed an impressive storehouse of knowledge about agriculture, science, weather, food, wine, politics, architecture and law — to name a few of his interests.

News and Notes

Curatorial Fellow Molly Martien leads a project that sheds more light on Monticello’s collections, and J. Jefferson Looney, the Daniel P. Jordan Editor of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, reviews Thomas Jefferson's thoughts on the profession of law.

Back Home

Recent acquisitions from Jefferson descendants help bring the past to life.

A Happy Birthday

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Jefferson Library at Monticello.

Reading the Declaration

Get to know the Declaration of Independence a little better through this short interactive reader.

For Future Reference

The Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia gets a makeover. Check out a small sampling of excerpts from the website that cover a variety of topics relating to Jefferson's world.

Meet Thomas Jefferson

Meet Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by veteran historical interpreter Bill Barker, during your next visit!

The Shop at Monticello

Find holiday gifts inspired by Jefferson's home and gardens for everyone on your list.