5 New Features to Try on the New Monticello.org Website

To kick off the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we’ve launched a new look for our website, monticello.org. Featuring an intuitive user experience, eye-catching visuals, and streamlined access to information about Monticello and the world of Thomas Jefferson, browsing our website is a revolutionary new way to explore Monticello - before, during, and after your visit.

1. Itineraries tailored to your interests

We often call Monticello “a mountain full of stories.” To make the most of your visit, we’ve curated itineraries to make plans with a focus on your particular interests.

2.  Improved Calendar of Events and Exhibits listings

Never miss a Monticello event again with our newly formatted calendar of events. Guests can search through different event series, sort results by different months, and see upcoming exhibits all in one place.

3. A new edition of the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia

One of the largest and most reliable sources of information on Thomas Jefferson and his world is our Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia (TJE). With over 1,100 entries to explore, the user experience is at the forefront for those researching Jefferson, Monticello, and topics including the Declaration of Independence, the lives of the enslaved community, Lewis and Clark, politics, and architecture, to name just a few.

In this new edition, encyclopedia pages are tagged and integrated with other content on the website, such as blog posts or the In Bloom plant database, making information on a given topic searchable in one space. The pages themselves now feature in-text, pop-up footnotes to limit scrolling and guide you to primary sources more quickly.

Next time you research the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson’s love of botany, or people who lived at Monticello, we hope you’ll find the new and improved TJE a breath of fresh air to the research process.

4. Enhanced colors and visuals

The new website brings a fresh, contemporary look to a place rooted in history. Rich, high-resolution imagery offers closer views of the house, landscape, and visit experience. An updated color palette draws directly from hues found in the house itself, including the “Monticello yellow” of the Dining Room and the “true grass green” floor of the Entrance Hall, connecting the digital experience to the physical space. 

5. More features to use during your visit

Designed with visitors in mind, the Monticello website serves as a helpful companion during your visit, putting essential information right at your fingertips. Interactive pop-up maps make it easy to navigate the mountaintop, while an up-to-date list of the day’s activities helps as you plan your time. The site also highlights the wide range of experiences Monticello offers, from tours and exhibitions to gardens, trails, dining, and family activities.

Check it out

Whether you’re planning a visit, exploring from afar, or already on the mountaintop, the new Monticello website is designed to support curiosity and discovery. With thoughtful designs, the site reflects Monticello’s commitment to sharing its stories in engaging, accessible ways. We invite you to explore the new monticello.org!