Founder's Day at Monticello

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.

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!

• 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 in the tent. Guests can hear from Jefferson, ask him questions about his life, wish him a happy birthday, and take photos.
  Appearance Times:
  • Friday, April 11: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Saturday, April 12: 10:00 – 10:30 am; 11:00-11:30 am; 12:00-12:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 13: 12:00 – 12:30 pm; 1:00 – 1:30pm; 2:00 – 2:30 pm; 3:00 – 3:30 pm
• Visit the Mountaintop Activity Center, where kids can enjoy fun, hands-on activities like writing with a quill
• Stop by the Monticello Pop-up Shop, and peruse a curated selection of Monticello-grown products, books, décor, and other specialty items.

Meet the organizations making a difference in our community