Mr. Saunders with fellow Monticello Trustee John F. Cooke in the Monticello Entrance Hall, 2003.It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of former Thomas Jefferson Foundation Trustee and Board Chairman, Thomas A. Saunders III.
Mr. Saunders was a member of Monticello’s Board of Trustees for over a decade from 1997 to 2008. He was elected to the Board in 1997 and became Chairman in January 2002.
Mr. Saunders provided critical support for scholarly efforts at Monticello. He and his wife, Jordan, endowed the position of Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, currently held by historian Andrew O’Shaughnessy. Mr. Saunders also provided essential support for the publication of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series. To date, eighteen volumes have gone to print, aiding scholars around the world.
Mr. Saunders and wife Jordan, with Dan Jordan at the plaque unveiling ceremony for the Saunders-Monticello Trail.Numerous other initiatives at Monticello were made possible through Mr. Saunders’ generosity. Highlights include the completion of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the Saunders Bridge, and the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Today the Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in central Virginia, hosting more than 150,000 walks annually. Mr. Saunders also provided support for the acquisition of Montalto, Thomas Jefferson’s “high mountain” property, overlooking Monticello.
“Mr. Saunders always valued and modeled vision, to the immeasurable benefit of Monticello,” said Leslie Greene Bowman, president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. “He continued to be a friend and advisor to us, and never ceased thinking about ways to advance our mission.”
We at Monticello are deeply grateful to Mr. Saunders for his longstanding and generous support. We mourn his passing and offer condolences to his family.
Thomas A. Saunders speaking at the Saunders Bridge Dedication, November 2, 2002.
Mr. Saunders breaking champagne on the Saunders Bridge at the dedication ceremony, November 2, 2022.
Thomas and Jordan Saunders at the Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, November 2, 2002.
Mr. Saunders speaking at the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Ceremony in 2003 as Virginia Governor Mark Warner and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton look on.
