Declaration of Independence Display

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Jefferson’s Curiosities: Jefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase)

Thomas Jefferson and Eliza Trist—friends in Philadelphia—spoke of exploring the Mississippi River territories two decades before Lewis & Clark’s expedition. Keeping a detailed journal (that still exists) of her 1783-1785 journey, his close friend Eliza Trist agreed to d......More

Thomas Jefferson and Eliza Trist—friends in Philadelphia—spoke of exploring the Mississippi River territories two decades before Lewis & Clark’s expedition. Keeping a detailed journal (that still exists) of her 1783-1785 journey, his close friend Eliza Trist agreed to document her travels west. She ventured from the East Coast to Pittsburgh, and navigated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers deep into Spanish-owned Louisiana territory. This presentation explores the Jefferson-Trist partnership behind this early western exploration, the extensive details of her pioneering journey, her descendants’ ties to Jefferson, and her life-long contributions to the development of early America—culminating in her death and burial at Monticello. About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation. Tickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks Other 2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events: Jefferson’s Travels through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.What Made Jefferson a Great Leader? (Dr. John Ragosta): March 26, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson’s Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens): June 11, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson & Religion (Nathan Taylor): September 24, 2026 6:30 p.m.*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Public Archaeology Day

Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave Dwelling with our staff – gloves provided. Not a fan of dirt? Visitors can also wash artifacts and learn about the history ......More

Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave Dwelling with our staff – gloves provided. Not a fan of dirt? Visitors can also wash artifacts and learn about the history of the dwelling and the people who lived there from our archaeologists. This event is open to the whole community. Public Archaeology Day is included with regular admission, which can be purchased in advance here. Admission to the property includes either a docent-guided or self-guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat home, access to exhibits in the lower level and wing of offices of the villa retreat, and outdoor exhibits throughout the property.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes Tours

Tours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both daysSince 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 entab......More

Tours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both daysSince 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 affectionately called the “Best dwelling house in the state…” on an hour-long tour guided with Austin Englund, Restoration Supervisor. Tickets for the Architectural Restoration Behind-the-Scenes Talk and Tour are $30 in advance and $35 day-of. Admission also includes self-guided exploration of exhibits in the lower level of the house, the Wing of Offices, the ornamental grounds and the Quarter Site. Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited. *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

The Day is Past and Gone

Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30thPlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexit......More

Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30thPlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. 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 friends and family, a picnic and a blanket or chairs, and experience a little-known but important part of Poplar Forest’s history brought to life. NOTE: The performance consists of three vignettes performed at three different locations on the property. We recommend bringing chairs, blankets, picnics, etc. that are easy to move. Tickets are $20/adult, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and college students (with valid ID), $5 for children under 6. Tickets will be available online until 5pm the day of the show. Tickets will still be available at the door both nights. Rain Date: May 31 *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

The Day is Past and Gone

Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30thPlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men and women who were enslaved at Poplar Forest, the trilogy explores the complexit......More

Friday, May 29th & Saturday, May 30thPlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. 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 friends and family, a picnic and a blanket or chairs, and experience a little-known but important part of Poplar Forest’s history brought to life. NOTE: The performance consists of three vignettes performed at three different locations on the property. We recommend bringing chairs, blankets, picnics, etc. that are easy to move. Tickets are $20/adult, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and college students (with valid ID), $5 for children under 6. Tickets will be available online until 5pm the day of the show. Tickets will still be available at the door both nights. Rain Date: May 31 *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Jefferson & Adams: A Stage Play

Join us as we welcome Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Abigail Adams in a presentation of “Jefferson & Adams” a stage play written by Howard Ginsburg. Based on the collection of letters between these prolific founding fathers – and one equally astute wife – the play fu......More

Join us as we welcome Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Abigail Adams in a presentation of “Jefferson & Adams” a stage play written by Howard Ginsburg. Based on the collection of letters between these prolific founding fathers – and one equally astute wife – the play fuses compelling political thoughts with passionate personal beliefs.  Jefferson & Adams traces the period from the inception of the Revolution through the politics of two presidents to the wisdom of men who have lived long lives, as well as reveals each of the three as thoughtful, persevering, dedicated, innovative, relevant – and human. $25/adults, $20/college students and youth (ages 6-18), $7 for children under 6 plus taxes and fees

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Jefferson’s Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens)

In this session, join Rachel Deddens, author of Cooking at the Hearth, as she discusses Eliza Smith’s historic 1753 cookbook, as well as “Bill of Fare” which highlights Thomas Jefferson’s love of peas, ham, French cuisine and more. Learn about the three-burner stove con......More

In this session, join Rachel Deddens, author of Cooking at the Hearth, as she discusses Eliza Smith’s historic 1753 cookbook, as well as “Bill of Fare” which highlights Thomas Jefferson’s love of peas, ham, French cuisine and more. Learn about the three-burner stove constructed at Poplar Forest’s wing of offices and the traditional methods once used for cooking there. About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation. Tickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks Other 2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events: Jefferson’s Travels through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.What Made Jefferson a Great Leader? (Dr. John Ragosta): March 26, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase): May 7, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson & Religion (Nathan Taylor): September 24, 2026 6:30 p.m.*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

1776 The Musical

Revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. View t......More

Revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. View these events through the eyes of Ben (Franklin), Richard Henry (Lee), John (Adams) and Tom (Jefferson). Celebrate their contributions to our country’s history. Bring a chair or blanket, a picnic dinner (no outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Wine, beer and cider will be available for sale on site), and friends and family for an evening of theatre under the stars. Rain date is June 28. $20.00/Adults (18+), $15/College and Youth (6-17), $5/under 6. Performances run from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm each night. *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here. 

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States