Join our staff to hear stories and discoveries about objects in our collections in these informal talks at the visitor center galleries. Each talk will highlight specific objects and include discussion time with our Curatorial Department staff.
No registration necessary.
Upcoming 2024 Talks
October 18: Straight from Storage: Thomas Jefferson's Frock Coat
Tabitha Corradi, Curator of Collections, and Malia Sbach, Associate Registrar
In 1808, a dinner guest noted that Thomas Jefferson wore “a blue cloth coat with metal buttons-worsted stockings nicely drawn up & a clean pair of leather shoes." Join us for an up-close look at Jefferson's original blue frock coat as members of our collections team share more about this object and how we care for historic textiles in our collection.
November 15: The Nation's Guest: Lafayette Comes for Dinner
Emilie Johnson, Curator of Arts and History
On November 4, 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette reunited with his old friend, Thomas Jefferson, at Monticello and spent 11 days visiting, reminiscing, and, of course, dining. Join Emilie Johnson to celebrate Lafayette, his contributions to the nation, and his lifelong friendship with Jefferson on the 200th anniversary of his departure from Monticello.
Previous Talks
August 16: Almond Oil and Plaster: Jefferson’s Bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon
Diane Ehrenpreis, Curator of Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors
Long recognized as an outstanding work of art, the details of how Houdon captured Jefferson’s likeness in this bust are fascinating. Ehrenpreis will share an overview of the cultural scene in Paris where this bust was made as well as what happened to the Houdon busts in Jefferson’s collection.
September 20: Where Did Jefferson Stash All of Those Letters?
Diane Ehrenpreis, Curator of Decorative Arts and Historic Interiors
Jefferson’s lifetime correspondence totaled 47,000 letters, many of which were saved by him in his private suite at Monticello. To manage this archive, the statesman came up with a unique system of file presses and cartons, the extent of which has only recently been discovered.
