Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest has been meticulously restored back to its Jefferson-era appearance after 40 years of dedicated work by the Poplar Forest Restoration Department. Using tools available to Jefferson’s free and enslaved workman, our skilled craftsmen have restored all the elements of the house so what you see today, is what Jefferson would have seen once the house was […]
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group for this special talk and workshop uncovering how you can get started with your genealogy and how you can use family treasures to learn about your family history. Hosted at the Jones Memorial Library in partnership with Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. The day starts with mingling and a light breakfast before […]
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest has been meticulously restored back to its Jefferson-era appearance after 40 years of dedicated work by the Poplar Forest Restoration Department. Using tools available to Jefferson’s free and enslaved workman, our skilled craftsmen have restored all the elements of the house so what you see today, is what Jefferson would have seen once the house was completed. […]
Jefferson wrote to Madame de Tesse in October 1801 that “Altho’ the times are big with political events, yet I shall say nothing on that or any subject but the innocent ones of botany & friendship.” Using Jefferson’s own words from letters to various friends and family members, Thomas Jefferson (as portrayed by Bill Barker) and Peggy Cornett, Curator of […]
Interested in being a vendor? Please fill out the appropriate form below and return it by Feb. 28th for consideration. Winery Application_2025 Artisan Vendor Application_2025 Interested in sponsoring the event? Fill out this form: 2025 Spring Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival Sponsorship Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest introduces the first annual Spring Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival this April! Join us for a day filled […]
Join Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming new American citizens in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s 282nd birthday. A luncheon for the new citizens and their families will be served following the ceremony. Admission to the ceremony is included with general admission […]
Add a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s private villa and ornamental gardens to your Lynchburg Garden Day itinerary. An avid gardener and one of America’s first landscape designers, Jefferson was enthralled with the natural world, recording his ideas for planning and planting the ornamental landscape at Poplar Forest in his letters and journals. The recently completed restorations of Jefferson’s ornamental garden […]
Tours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forest’s Restoration Department has worked to restore the villa to its Jefferson-era appearance. See the recently completed frieze in the parlor entablature, the restored fireplaces and the freshly repainted interior, and learn about the meticulous restoration of what Jefferson […]
Playwright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexity of their lives and their struggles to survive. Join Harris, the cast and Poplar Forest’s archaeology and interpretation staff for a Q&A following the performance. Bring your […]
Thomas Jefferson had a well-known love of music. He played the fiddle himself and purchased instruments for his daughters and grandchildren throughout much of his adult life. Join Poplar Forest as we partner with musicians from the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra to explore Jefferson’s interest in music. Hear pieces Jefferson heard in concert or performed himself and explore one of Jefferson’s […]
Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County retreat, to celebrate the 248th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople, archaeological displays, old-fashioned children’s activities, a reading of the Declaration […]
Join Poplar Forest for the 13th annual Face the Forest Obstacle Course Run! Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle race through the grounds of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest plantation, encountering obstacles (and some mud) along the way! Entry fees will support children’s educational programming at Poplar Forest. The obstacle course race is open […]