meet one of america’s founding fathers

“I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered together at the White House, with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone. Someone once said that Thomas Jefferson was a gentleman of 32 who could calculate an eclipse, survey an estate, tie an artery, plan an edifice, try a cause, break a horse, and dance the minuet.”

— John F. Kennedy, April 29, 1962

One of the most influential personalities in American history, Thomas Jefferson is the quintessential man of the Enlightenment. In addition to authoring the Declaration of Independence he was most proud of the legislation in the state of Virginia that established the separation of church and state as well as his founding of the University of Virginia.

His accomplishments are well known and yet he presents a conundrum to us today: How should we approach this icon of freedom who also owned slaves at his Monticello plantation?

In addition to presentations that focus on his great achievements, instructors can also invite Mr. Jefferson to speak about the more difficult questions of his life and times. With today’s events bringing race relations to the fore, many are looking for a conversation with Mr. Jefferson to hear in his own words what he thought and felt about race in his time.

These educational presentations strive to recognize the human complexity of Jefferson, encouraging students to consider how the author of “all men are created equal” could still be a product of his time, seeking to create a nation that looked towards the future.