As the Declaration of Independence turns 250 in 2026, Monticello is one of the country's most important places to mark the moment - home to its principal author and a site where the words, the world, and the ambitions of 1776 all come into view. See what we have planned.
Mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a special guided theatrical experience inside the Monticello house featuring Thomas Jefferson, as interpreted by veteran historical interpreter, Bill Barker.
Join us for a special Founders Day weekend celebration at Monticello, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s 283rd birthday and bringing together community and conversation to reflect on the ideals that shaped the nation.
Join us for an event to celebrate 250 years of Jefferson's Declaration of Independence
Calling all curious kids! Join us for a ton of fun this summer and discover the past as you play games, explore the gardens, solve puzzles, assist archaeologists, create crafts, and more!
Free, Registration Required
Included with admission
Monticello is an independently funded non-profit that relies on support from people like you. Together, we preserve Jefferson's mountaintop home, advance groundbreaking research, and share its stories with visitors from around the world, both on site and online.
How do we know what we know? More than a century of rigorous research, documentation, archaeology, and training.
Explore nowMonticello is Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece, which he designed and redesigned for more than forty years. It remains a national icon and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Select a house tourThe two-acre Vegetable Garden evolved over many years, culminating in a 1000 foot long series of twenty-four "squares," or growing plots.
Learn MoreMulberry Row was the industrial hub of Jefferson's 5000-acre Monticello plantation and was the center of work and domestic life for dozens of free and enslaved workers.
Learn MoreThis exhibit explores the life of Sally Hemings, drawn from the recollections of her son, Madison Hemings.
Learn MoreThe Contemplative Site at Monticello is a powerful, yet tranquil space to reflect upon lives and legacies of Monticello's enslaved African Americans.
Learn MoreJefferson's gravesite in the Monticello cemetery is marked by an obelisk based on his own design. The grave is accessible by our shuttles travelling down the mountain as well as by walking trails.
Learn MoreStarting at the recreated Hemmings Cabin, guided outdoor tours of Mulberry Row focus on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation.
Learn MoreFirst-person interpreter Bill Barker, shares stories of Thomas Jefferson's life and answers visitor questions. Available most Tuesdays – Saturdays.
Learn MoreSeasonal guided tours of the flower, vegetable, and fruit gardens explore Jefferson’s lifelong interest in horticulture and the labors of the enslaved people who turned his ideas into reality.
Included with admissionLocated under Monticello's North Terrace, the Farm Shop provides snacks, hot and cold drinks, seasonal treats, mementos, and an outdoor seating area for visitors.
Farm ShopOpen Seasonally: Enjoy hands-on activities for kids and their families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects.
Learn MoreLocated near Monticello’s East Walk, shuttle passengers arrive here for tours. Guests can take the shuttle — which also stops at Jefferson’s grave — back to the visitor center.
The "back of the Nickel" view of Monticello includes a Winding Flower Walk and Oval Beds planted with heirloom varieties.
In BloomMonticello is Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece, which he designed and redesigned for more than forty years. It remains a national icon and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Select a house tourThe two-acre Vegetable Garden evolved over many years, culminating in a 1000 foot long series of twenty-four "squares," or growing plots.
Learn MoreMulberry Row was the industrial hub of Jefferson's 5000-acre Monticello plantation and was the center of work and domestic life for dozens of free and enslaved workers.
Learn MoreThis exhibit explores the life of Sally Hemings, drawn from the recollections of her son, Madison Hemings.
Learn MoreThe Contemplative Site at Monticello is a powerful, yet tranquil space to reflect upon lives and legacies of Monticello's enslaved African Americans.
Learn MoreJefferson's gravesite in the Monticello cemetery is marked by an obelisk based on his own design. The grave is accessible by our shuttles travelling down the mountain as well as by walking trails.
Learn MoreStarting at the recreated Hemmings Cabin, guided outdoor tours of Mulberry Row focus on the experiences of the enslaved people who lived and labored on the Monticello plantation.
Learn MoreFirst-person interpreter Bill Barker, shares stories of Thomas Jefferson's life and answers visitor questions. Available most Tuesdays – Saturdays.
Learn MoreSeasonal guided tours of the flower, vegetable, and fruit gardens explore Jefferson’s lifelong interest in horticulture and the labors of the enslaved people who turned his ideas into reality.
Included with admissionLocated under Monticello's North Terrace, the Farm Shop provides snacks, hot and cold drinks, seasonal treats, mementos, and an outdoor seating area for visitors.
Farm ShopOpen Seasonally: Enjoy hands-on activities for kids and their families at the Mountaintop Activity Center. Write with a quill pen, crack a code with a wheel cipher, and explore mystery objects.
Learn MoreLocated near Monticello’s East Walk, shuttle passengers arrive here for tours. Guests can take the shuttle — which also stops at Jefferson’s grave — back to the visitor center.
The "back of the Nickel" view of Monticello includes a Winding Flower Walk and Oval Beds planted with heirloom varieties.
In BloomGet to know Thomas Jefferson: author of the Declaration of Independence, third president of the United States, Governor of Virginia, Secretary of State, Vice President, architect, scientist, wine enthusiast, and founder of the University of Virginia.
Explore his life and legaciesJefferson described life with his wife Martha as ten years of "unchequered happiness."
A beloved wifeJefferson's oldest daughter, Martha often served as "first lady" in the White House and later raised her own 11 children at Monticello after her father retired from public life.
Martha Jefferson RandolphSally Hemings is one of the most famous—and least known—African American women in U.S. history. For more than 200 years, her name has been linked to Thomas Jefferson as the mother of at least 6 of his children.
Sally HemingsJohn Hemmings was an enslaved woodworker and joiner who built many of the iconic elements of Jefferson's home.
John HemmingsMonticello survives today because of the efforts of Uriah Levy and his nephew Jefferson Monroe Levy.
Uriah Phillips LevyThomas Jefferson had a deep interest in wine and was known for his efforts to promote viticulture in Virginia and the United States. Jefferson convinced Italian vintner Philip Mazzei to settle in Albemarle County in late 1773 and to experiment with grape cultivation and wine making. More than 200 years later, their vision became a reality at Jefferson Vineyards.
