Feast of Reason: Civic Season Launch Event

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Join us for a Feast of Reason!

In the spirit of Jeffersonian dinners, which were known for great food and conversation, we’ve created a new card game to promote civic discussion: Feast of Reason.

Join us as we launch Feast of Reason at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center with complimentary food (we’ll have four local food trucks on hand), American Heritage Chocolate samples, and samples of our new beer, Monticello Mountain Ale. Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Share your thoughts while we play Feast of Reason over good food and drink!

This event is free, but space is limited. Recommended for adults and children 10 years+.

This event is part of the annual Civic Season, a national initiative to connect with our past, take action in the present, and shape the future through activities and events in our neighborhoods, cities, towns and social spaces.

Local Food Trucks

A locally-owned food truck and mobile catering company specializing in hand-held pie goodness. Inspired from traditional dishes from around the world, The Pie Guy uses local ingredients, including premium grass-fed beef, and free-range eggs.

Charlottesville’s soul food kitchen on wheels – where food becomes your happiness! Featuring delicious, home-cooked fare: fried fish, collard greens and other southern favorites.

A mobile trailer serving hard and soft ice cream with a smile! This Richmond-based gem provides a gathering place for all to experience the joy of ice cream and the connection of community.

Keep the conversation going with our participating community partners.

One Small Step

Not every problem can be solved through conversation, but with open minds and open hearts we can get closer to a united America. If you've ever been worried about the state of division in this country, we’re here to help.

One Small Step was created in 2018 by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit dedicated to recording American oral history. Over the past 3 years, over 1000 people across America have participated in conversations across 40 states.

Learn more and sign up to record a One Small Step conversation. It’s a chance to meet someone new with a different political view and hear their story.

The Library of Virginia: Civic Season Challenge

"We the People” means all of us: Democracy powered by you. The Library of Virginia has created the Civic Season Challenge to encourage a deeper consideration of the responsibilities and civil liberties that define American citizenship. This self-guided exploration focuses on rights, duties, and voting using content from the Library of Virginia and other trusted resources to encourage understanding and spark conversation. You may also check with your local public library for additional Civic Season content.

Created in 1823, the Library of Virginia houses the most comprehensive collection of materials on Virginia government, history, and culture available anywhere. The Library supplies research assistance; provides consulting services to government agencies and public libraries; administers numerous grant programs; provides educational resources for students and teachers; and offers exhibitions, lectures, and other programs.

Take part in this fun and informative challenge at Monticello’s Civic Season kickoff event!

What is the Civic Season?
June 12 - July 4

In 2021, Made By Us – a national collaborative of civic and history organizations – teamed up with Civics Unplugged and nearly 200 participating partners from across the country to kickstart a new tradition: the Civic Season, a time to explore what you stand for.

Learning and teaching the tough stuff of American history is at the heart of Monticello's twenty-first century mission. As one of the founding partners of Made By Us, we are proud to join with the future inheritors of our nation (that’s you!) to rewind, reflect, and re-imagine a shared future.