Experience a moment in American history at Poplar Forest’s 17th annual presentation of Conversations with Thomas Jefferson. Sit in on a private and wide-ranging conversation between Jefferson, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker, and one of his compatriots as they discuss their shared experiences as revolutionaries, political colleagues, friends and neighbors. Past guests have included...

Enjoy an afternoon dedicated to the pursuit of happiness in Jeffersonian style at the 5th Thomas Jefferson Craft Beer Tasting! Jefferson served beer and ale at his table daily and endeavored to perfect his recipe. Discover new brews from local and regional craft breweries and cideries. Pair your pints with local foods; shop for works...

Join Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge and Poplar Forest Chapters of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) in welcoming 30 new American citizens in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s 275th birthday. Birthday cake will be served to all following the ceremony. Admission to the ceremony is included with general admission to Poplar...

Tours Available at 6 P.M. and 7 P.M. Toast the arrival of spring with friends and family; explore Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest on a special tasting tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest! Barrels, Bottles & Casks popular tasting tours focus on the beverages and spirits consumed by Jefferson and the enslaved residents of Poplar Forest...

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...

Join Jack Gary and Eric Proebsting of Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and landscapes on an archaeology and nature hike along the new Poplar Forest parkway corridor. Explore the course of the road and where it intersects with historic aspects of the property and its natural history. Comfortable walking shoes are necessary. Click here to...

Hear the story behind Southern food when author Kelly Deetz discusses her new book,  “Bound to the Fire: How Virginia’s Enslaved Cooks Helped Invent American Cuisine.” Then visit Poplar Forest’s historic kitchen where Poplar Forest interpreters will demonstrate period cooking techniques. A historical archaeologist, historian and Visiting Assistant Professor at Randolph College, Deetz draws upon...

Learn about the historic plastering process as it happens inside Jefferson’s retreat home. Join Henry Orton, owner of Orton Plasterworks in Savannah, Georgia, as he discusses his methods being used to reconstruct the ceilings in Poplar Forest. This winter Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest’s villa is temporarily closed to the public while the ceilings are re-plastered....

Ring in the holidays with a magical candlelit tour of Mr. Jefferson’s cherished villa retreat dressed for the holidays with 19th-century panache. These annual and very popular after-hours tours offer an intimate look at what Thomas Jefferson’s and his family’s evenings might have been like. As visitors walk through the octagonal house, they’ll be entertained...