Program
Archaeology in Action
Hear about exciting discoveries at Monticello’s active excavation site. Learn about how archaeology is helping us understand the mountaintop landscape.
Meet Thomas Jefferson
Portrayed by Bill Barker
- All Guests Included with Every Ticket
About the Program
Guests can meet Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker) in person, most Tuesdays through Saturdays during regularly scheduled hours.
Widely recognized as the foremost interpreter of our nation's third President, Bill Barker appears as Jefferson in regularly scheduled programming, meeting with guests, answering questions, and bringing a deep and nuanced portrayal of the man who wrote "all men are created equal" and who helped found the United States of America.
Meet Thomas Jefferson Locations
- Spring / Early Fall: West Lawn on the Mountaintop - Under the Sugar Maple
- Late Fall / Winter: Theater at Monticello's Visitor Center
Meet Thomas Jefferson will not take place on the following dates/times:
- Saturday, July 25: 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. scheduled appearances
- Tuesday, August 4: all scheduled appearances
- Friday, August 7 through Monday, August 31: all scheduled appearances
*Note: On occasion, scheduled appearances are cancelled due to other programming. To confirm appearances and the schedule for a particular day, please call the Monticello Ticket Office at (434) 984-9800 or inquire when you arrive.
Included with Every Ticket
-
![Photo of archaeology team unearthing history at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.]()
-
![Thomas Jefferson's Monticello "Griffin Discovery Room" exhibit]()
ProgramGriffin Discovery Room
A hands-on space where kids investigate the past using the same tools as Monticello's historians, archaeologists, and curators.
-
![A guide stands next to a dwelling for enslaved people leading a tour for a group of visitors]()
ProgramSlavery at Monticello Tour
These one-hour, guided outdoor walking tours focus on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation. Start on the hour, available throughout the day.
