From fossilized bones to extensive gardens, Thomas Jefferson’s interest in natural history was evident at Monticello. While president of the United States, Jefferson was president of another institution – the American Philosophical Society. As part of the society Jefferson partook in different efforts relating to natural history (called natural philosophy in the period) and was able to utilize it for his own research over the decades that he was involved.

In this live Q&A, Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Bill Barker, discusses his involvement in the oldest learned society in the United States, including his fascinating colleagues and intellectual pursuits.