SUMMER 2009 www.monticello.org VOLUME 20, NUMBER 1 A gala opening for the new gateway to Monticello new era for Monticello Center and the Aand its visitors began April 15 with statue of Thomas the Grand Opening of the Thomas Jefferson on the Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith upper level of the Education Center. new complex. All features and facilities of the The cen- 21st-century gateway to Monticello terpiece of the were opened to the public on that date opening-day amid fanfare befitting such a significant program was a occasion. celebration of The public debut of the center’s Jefferson’s lasting interpretive aspects – a powerful intro- legacies that fea- ductory film, four groundbreaking exhi- tured remarks by Porter TJF/Mary bitions, and a hands-on activity room Annette Gordon- The Williamsburg Field Musick fife and drum for children – was preceded by events Reed, winner of corps performing in the Courtyard. saluting both Jefferson and significant a National Book contributors to the project. Though Award and a Pulitzer Prize for The Combined Choir of the Union Run rainy weather forced the relocation of Hemingses of Monticello: An American Baptist Church in Keswick, a congre- some activities from Monticello’s West Family, and Michael Beschloss, NBC gation founded by former Monticello Lawn to the new center’s Courtyard, the News’ presidential historian and the slaves; and an ensemble from the UVa bulk of the program went on as planned author of numerous books, including Marching Band. and a celebratory atmosphere prevailed. Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and Continued on next page. The first phase of the proceedings How They Changed America, 1789-1989. included a ceremonial ribbon-cutting The audience of about 400 also heard at the Robert H. and Clarice Smith words from Gerald L. Baliles, former Gallery, which houses the four exhibi- governor of Virginia and current tions, and the formal unveilings of the director of the Miller Center of Public Monticello mural in the lobby of the Affairs at the University of Virginia; Monticello is a newsletter published twice each year by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc. Carl and Hunter Smith Education Thomas Jefferson Foundation Board The Thomas Jefferson Foundation is the private, of Trustees Chairman Alice W. Handy; nonprofit corporation that has owned and operated Monticello since 1923. Its mission is COMMENTS? and Foundation President Leslie Greene preservation and education. [email protected] Bowman. Music was performed by © Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., 2009 Charlottesville Municipal Band; the TJF/Stephanie Gross

GalaContinued, Page 2.opening SUMMER 2009 The official opening of the new Education Center is the center took place at 12:30 p.m., signaled largest capital project by music from Jefferson’s era played by and most ambitious the Williamsburg Field Musick fife and educational initia- drum corps. Also present to meet, greet, tive in the history of and entertain visitors were Bill Barker, the Thomas Jefferson portraying Thomas Jefferson; Tara Foundation, which has owned and operated Monticello since 1923. Annette Gordon-Reed speaking during the Grand Opening program. Located on the lower slope of Monticello TJF/Stephanie Gross TJF/Stephanie mountain, the center comprises five ‘Essay in Architecture,’ and Monticello pavilions around a central courtyard. as Experiment: ‘To Try All Things;’ the The three-level complex follows the introductory film Thomas Jefferson’s World, contour of its hillside setting and blends and the hands-on Griffin Discovery into the wooded landscape with natural TJF/Michael Bailey building materials, two “green” roofs, and other environmentally sensitive elements. The center’s visitor amenities – a café with indoor and outdoor seating, a A young guest taking in the spacious gift shop, and an indoor ticket ‘Boisterous Sea of Liberty’ and information counter – were put exhibition. into operation in November 2008. The Wheeler, the reigning Miss Virginia; features that were opened April 15 – the and fiddle player Pete Vigour. exhibitions The Words of Thomas Jefferson, The 42,000-square-foot Thomas Thomas Jefferson and ‘the Boisterous Sea First-day attendees viewing the exhibition ‘To Try All Things.’ Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith of Liberty,’ Making Monticello: Jefferson’s

TJF/Mary Porter Room – transform the visitor experience through dynamic content presenting fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson’s life and ideas. Surrounding the Grand Opening, the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center was featured in a number of major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, Associated Press, USA Today, Boston Globe, Baltimore Sun, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Orlando Sentinel, and BCC World News America. Videos and additional photos from the April 15 Grand Opening and detailed information about all aspects of the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center Bill Barker welcoming young visitors to the new Thomas and Smith Education Center are avail- Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. able online at www.monticello.org/fea- tured/new_vc.html. 2 Continued, Page 2. SUMMER 2009

Michael Beschloss delivering his remarks.

TJF/Michael Bailey

TJF/Stephanie Gross Members of the crowd observing the opening ceremonies.

TJF/Stephanie Gross Willis Carter singing with the Union Run Baptist Church Combined Choir.

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