Meet the two women who were essential to Thomas Jefferson’s well being when he was in residence at Poplar Forest. The Complete Housewife, a new, 45-minute guided tour of the President’s villa retreat focuses on the roles of women in the male-dominated society of his day. Jefferson’s household and his life at Poplar Forest could not be serene, could not be filled with “warm domesticity,” in short, could not be complete without the presence of his enslaved cook Hannah, and his granddaughter Ellen Wayles Randolph. Explore the relationship between these two women and their thoughts on the role of women in early 19th century Virginia, gleaned from letters and journals.

Admission to The Complete Housewife tour is included with general admission to Poplar Forest.

These special tours are at 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. both days.

Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited.