Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello will hold a grand opening on Wednesday, April 15 to commemorate the opening of a new museum. Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, 125 miles southwest of Washington, DC, the Thomas Jefferson Visitors Center and Smith Education Center boasts 42,000 square feet of exhibitions. Warren Christopher, Annette Gordon-Reed, author of The Hemingses of Monticello and Michael Bechschloss will speak at the opening ceremony beginning at 11:00 am. Music starts at 10:30. The new film "Thomas Jefferson's World" will debut and the day promises to be a grand celebration of history-centered festivities.
An article in today''s Globe by Peter Canellos details how the estate reveals some of Mr. Jefferson's qualities as a person, in particular, his penchant for order. Mr. Canellos highlights Thomas Jefferson's skills as an architect and how he had a hand in designing both the buildings and the grounds. "And of Jefferson's brilliance there can be no doubt. The mathematical calculations, neatly devised in his tiny handwriting on the architectural plans for Monticello, test out perfectly by today's digital measurements." (March 31, p. A2)
Mr. Canellos also states that Thomas Jefferson was an inventor and a man eager to explore new ideas. "His boundless curiosity extended from meticulous observations of the natural world to the study of music to collecting books in each of six languages that he spoke." (p.A2) Because of his presidential leadership, Lewis and Clark made their famous journey, eventually leading to the opening up of the American West.
Although you might not be able to travel to Charlottesville, VA next Wednesday , you could take a spin through Monticello by clicking on the link below.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, website
http://www.monticello.org/index.html
The Boston Globe, Tuesday, March 31, 2009, "New museum reflects character of nation's 3d president" by Peter S. Canellos, p.A2
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2009/03/31/new_museum_reflects_character_of_nations_3d_president/
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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3 comments:
This Monticello museum will be a wonderful improvement. The wealth of creativity from Jefferson’s energetic life has always been difficult to grasp. Remembrance of the forefathers’ accomplishments is one of the things Americans have done well, one of the things we can be proud of during uncertain times.
I saw Monticello as a youth. I expected dry presentations on the crafting of constitutional law. Instead, I was dumbfounded by the breadth and depth of intellectual and social activity at the mansion. I was taken aback by the inventions and innovations: the alcove beds, the clocks and sundials, the revolving chair, the dumbwaiters and air-conditioning tunnels, the agricultural research, the urge “to try all things”.
It’s fair to question the usefulness of historical study to life in 21st century Massachusetts. Part of the answer is to see strands of social continuity from Jefferson’s time to our own. We live in a world, at least in part, that grew from his imagination. Another answer is that from examination of a great life we receive inspiration for our own.
Of course, we err when we deify the founders. Jefferson’s Monticello ambitions were fueled by advantages few of us have: great wealth, open territory, and access to the labor of servants. Great innovators like Jefferson and the incomparable Franklin were flawed and quirky, like all men. They made foolish mistakes, harbored excessive pride, and benefited from luck and the accidents of history.
But there can be no doubt about certain good intentions. Through their efforts they hoped for the advance of civilization and the betterment of all. It’s a shame that more of us don’t return the founders’ favor by living rich and creative lives.
Simon,
Excellent observations and very well presented. I enjoy reading your insightful posts. I am sure all the other visitors to the forum share my sentiment.
Your picture profile of the proud bird defines you as a man of spirit and courage and reflects the spirit of the Princeton Republican Town Committee. Please visit and post often.
Here here, Dr. Frum. I too wish to thank Mr. Willard for taking the time to share his thoughts and his bluebird picture with the larger community. Well put, Simon.
As for you, Dr. Frum, thank you for your encouragement, as always.
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