The deaths of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams on July 4th, 1826, unified the nation in mourning the loss of these two founders. We've compiled a selection of primary source eulogies and remembrances for Adams and Jefferson from the 50th year of American Independence.
The Declaration's 250th anniversary opens a 15-year civic window. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello President Jane Kamensky and Made By Us Executive Director Caroline Klibanoff discuss why we must use it to build knowledge, skills, and character for the next generation of citizens.
Read Jefferson's thoughts on celebrating Independence Day.
The meaning and promise of the Declaration of Independence has been a topic of discussion since 1776.
Endrina Tay, Fiske and Marie Kimball Librarian, explores Thomas Jefferson's decision to sell his beloved personal library to the Library of Congress.
Perched atop a Virginia mountain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is more than a historic house — it's a place where American history comes alive in ways that genuinely surprise people, young and old.
Evan Friss, 2026 Spring Cohort Fellow at Monticello’s International Center for Jefferson Studies, reflects on Jefferson's tiny ivory notebook—and finds in its meticulous lists of gooseberries, market days, and slippers a window into the mind of history's most compulsive record-keeper.
Nicole Brown, a historian at Monticello’s International Center for Jefferson Studies, shares how a reimagined fellowship program is cultivating the next generation of scholars—blending independent research with a rich, collaborative community of experts.
Whether you’re planning your 2026 visit or diving into the history of America’s founding, check out these five new features in the latest version of Monticello’s website.
A look at how Monticello's cross-departmental team created three new Gallery Pavilion exhibitions — including a redesigned "Griffin Discovery Room".
Dr. Jane Kamensky, President & CEO, Thomas Jefferson Foundation, discusses Monticello's new strategic plan: “Climb the Mountain, Discover America.”
On July 4, 2025, Monticello marked the 249th anniversary of the country with award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns as our keynote speaker.
Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, gives the keynote speech at Monticello's annual Founders Day event.
Award-winning historian Kerri Greenidge, discusses "The Grimkes" as part of Monticello's Pursuits of Knowledge series
An archive of Monticello blog posts saved as pdfs.
Thomas Jefferson was a man of many interests and accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Here are a few things you might not know about this Founder.
