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An aerial view of the International Center for Jefferson Studies Kenwood campus showing four buildings partially obscured by trees, surrounded by grassy areas and forest.

About the International Center

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Monticello's Research Campus

An aerial photo of Kenwood, home of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, showing several buildings partially and fully obscured by trees.

Jefferson Library

Monticello's modern, presidential-style library supporting research on Thomas Jefferson and his life, times, and legacy.

Jefferson Library 

Kenwood, home of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies

A multidisciplinary research center that supports ongoing international study of Thomas Jefferson and his world.

International Center 
Collage of participants and historical figures included in the work of the Getting Word African American History Department at Monticello.

Getting Word African American History Department

Getting Word records and preserves the family histories of the over 610 people enslaved by Jefferson throughout his lifetime.

Learn more 

Monticello's Research Campus

Jefferson Library

Monticello's modern, presidential-style library supporting research on Thomas Jefferson and his life, times, and legacy.

Jefferson Library 

Kenwood, home of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies

A multidisciplinary research center that supports ongoing international study of Thomas Jefferson and his world.

International Center 
Collage of participants and historical figures included in the work of the Getting Word African American History Department at Monticello.

Getting Word African American History Department

Getting Word records and preserves the family histories of the over 610 people enslaved by Jefferson throughout his lifetime.

Learn more 

About the International Center

The mission of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS) is to foster Thomas Jefferson scholarship and disseminate findings through research and education. 

Founded in 1994 by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.—the private, nonprofit organization that has owned and operated Monticello since 1923—the ICJS has created a network of scholars, teachers, and students who engage a global audience in a dialogue with Jefferson’s ideas. Through a fellowship program, international scholarly conferences, panel discussions, teacher workshops, lectures, and curriculum-based tours, the ICJS establishes relationships with people from around the world. 

The ICJS encompasses the departments of ArchaeologyGetting Word African American History Department, the 15,500-square foot Jefferson Library, and the editorial operations of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series. An Advisory Committee of acclaimed scholars and statesmen helps guide the Center’s activities.

ICJS Departments

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Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies

ICJS Programs