Tour
Behind the Scenes Tour
90 minutes
Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams
On July 4, 1826, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
In preparation for the 250th anniversary in 2026, Monticello’s new Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour explores their complicated relationship. Visitors will learn how Jefferson and Adams became allies in 1776, bitter rivals in an age of partisanship, and friends again in retirement.
By considering the challenges and triumphs of the American Revolution and the early United States, this tour reveals how ordinary people became leaders and encourages visitors to consider how a democracy was born through disagreement, civil discourse, and dedication to shared values.
These tours are recommended for ages 12 and older.
What's included
Access to
- The historic Monticello mountaintop
- The Shop at Monticello
- The Farm Shop on the mountaintop
- The Monticello Café
- Film and Exhibits at the Visitor Center
- Free Parking
- Monticello Mobile Guide
- Free Wifi
As seen in the New York Times
In early 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming New York Times reporter Jenny Schuessler to Monticello for a behind-the-scenes look at our newest tour.
