“Clever,” “Industrious,” and “Well Qualified” Women: The Role of Non-Elite and Enslaved Women on Jefferson and Washington’s Plantations. Building on research contained in her monograph, Early American Overseers of Slavery: Supervisors, Enslaved Labourers, and the Plantation Enterprise, Dr. Sandy expands our awareness and understanding of the lives of non-elite free women, female servants, and enslaved women who labored on plantations. In particular, her research uncovers and investigates women who played supervisory and skilled roles at Monticello and Mount Vernon.

This 45-minute guided experience includes first floor spaces in Thomas Jefferson’s home, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. You’ll learn about Jefferson and his vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop’s iconic architecture. This popular pass includes access to our gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.