Founder's Day at Monticello

April 11-13, 2025

Join us for a special Founder’s Day weekend celebration at Monticello, honoring Thomas Jefferson’s birthday and featuring remarks from the 2025 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Citizen Leadership Medal recipient.

Keynote Address FRIDAY, APRIL 11 - Join us with Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, as our keynote speaker at 10:00 a.m. on Monticello’s West Lawn.

Wreath laying ceremony at Thomas Jefferson's grave, including a fife and drum corp

Wreath Laying Ceremony SUNDAY, APRIL 13 - Join us for Jefferson's birthday and our annual wreath-laying ceremony accompanied by performances from the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, children's activities, and complimentary cupcakes.

To commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s birthday (known locally as Founder’s Day) the University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello join together to present the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals to recognize achievements of those who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. president, excelled and held in high regard. These medals are the highest external honors bestowed by the University of Virginia, which grants no honorary degrees.

Throughout the weekend

Join us in the Community Partner Tent on the West Lawn for family-friendly activities and talk with our community partners, on hand to showcase their vital work in the community.
Meet Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker, during an expanded performance schedule.