Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Thomas Jefferson had long been seen as one of America’s most important Founders and the very author of American independence. He wrote the “mission statement” for America when he declared that “all men are created equal.” Cities, counties, schools, and universities have all been named “Jefferson” to honor his contributions to our nation. In recent years, however, his legacy has been seriously questioned in large part because he participated in the foul institution of American slavery, owning over 600 people during his lifetime. With a an expert, we'll take a serious look at the contradiction between Jefferson's political philosophy and his personal life and together we'll answer the question, what does a wealthy, white, slave-owning aristocrat have to teach us about the nature of American leadership, especially political leadership? Afterward, we'll board our motorcoach for a field trip to Highland, once the home of James Monroe. This is a small, homey dwelling in contrast to the stately mansions of Monroe's friends and neighbors. Recent archaeology has determined that the current structure was a guest residence and that Monroe's home was a much larger nearby building that no longer exists. Information on these finds will be provided during the visit. Learn how the existing house has evolved through the centuries with different owners. Imagine participating in the Monroe tradition of welcoming friends, neighbors, and dignitaries. Stroll the grounds to see the gardens and ash tree-lined entrance while taking in spectacular views of the surrounding mountains
Lunch:
At historic Michie Tavern, journey back to the 18th century with a traditional Bill of Fare including fried chicken, black eyed peas, cornbread, and much more (good Southern cooking!) . This tavern founded in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie (rhymes with sticky) was a social center of the community.
Afternoon:
Our motor coach next takes us to Jefferson’s amazing home, Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you knew nothing else about Jefferson and then visited Monticello, you would recognize the man as a genius. The house and gardens were designed, redesigned, built, and rebuilt over more than 40 years. Today, it is considered an “autobiographical masterpiece.” Led by an expert, we will walk through this exceptional mansion and see the architecture Jefferson favored as well as some of the many innovative contrivances he devised. The furnishings, art, books, gadgets, and objects such as the 7-day clock and the alcove bed, reveal Jefferson’s unique and inquiring mind. It is astonishing to comprehend that one man conceived all of this. Leaving the house, we will have some time for independent exploration to walk through the extensive kitchen and ornamental gardens as well as experience the Mulberry Row tour where you can hear about the lives of some of the enslaved peoples and families. On the way back down from the hilltop, you will be able to observe the Jefferson family cemetery where we can see what he had carved onto his memorial stone.
Dinner:
In our private dining room at the hotel.
Evening:
Having visited his home, what could be a better way to end the day than with a conversation with one of the Founding Fathers? A very convincing historical interpreter gives you a first person perspective on James Monroe and his celebrated friends of the Virginia Piedmont in “A Visit with Colonel Monroe.”