THE 1st JEFFERSON WEEKEND SEMINAR

THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE DEMOCRATIC REVOLUTION IN AMERICA

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Fall 2010 (Specific Dates TBA)

 

For Thomas Jefferson, representative democracy was both a goal and a fear: the virtuous democratic citizen was the counterweight to tyranny, yet the will of the mob was indeed a road to tyranny.  This inaugural  Jefferson Weekend Seminar will explore Jefferson’s democratic and revolutionary fears and philosophies.

 

The new U.Va. Jefferson Weekend Seminar is an opportunity to spend a few days in Jefferson’s beautiful and   beloved corner of Virginia to explore, in depth, a single topic related to Thomas Jefferson.  This weekend series will be offered every other year, when our lengthier Summer on the Lawn/Jefferson Symposium series is not offered.

 

Join Peter Onuf, Thomas Jefferson Foundation Professor of History at the University of Virginia, in an intimate setting which includes lectures, discussions and debates.  Participants will have unprecedented access to Professor Onuf and to special guests.  

 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• A field trip to an historic Jeffersonian site.
• A unique historical tour of the University of Virginia’s Academical Village (a World Heritage Site), designed by Jefferson and anchored by his famed Rotunda.
• An opportunity to examine Jeffersonian documents related to our topic on a specially arranged visit to the Small Special Collections Library at the Mary and David Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture at the University of Virginia.
• Meals and receptions in historic settings on the Grounds of Mr. Jefferson’s University.
• A special presentation on Jefferson’s agricultural and viticultural interests and efforts to recreate these interests at Monticello today.

PROGRAM LOCATION

The U.Va. Jefferson Weekend Seminars take place on the historic Grounds of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Founded in 1819, the University of Virginia is the product of the vision and determination of Thomas Jefferson.  The core of the University is the Jefferson-designed Academical Village, which reflects three of Jefferson’s strongest interests--education, architecture, and gardening.  The Academical Village, with its ranges, terraced lawn, student rooms, faculty pavilions, colonnade walkways and the famed Rotunda, has been proclaimed the most significant architectural achievement of the nation’s first 200 years.

 

Rich in history, architectural treasures, and natural beauty, Charlottesville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 120 miles southwest of Washington, DC, and 70 miles west of Richmond.  Charlottesville (airport code CHO) has extensive air service provided by US Airways, United, Delta, and Northwest.  The Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport website offers schedules and booking for flights, hotels, and rental cars.  Ground transportation is provided by Amtrak and Greyhound. 

 

Before you arrive, you will be sent useful program materials and information about the University of Virginia and Charlottesville to help guide you here and prepare you for the seminar.

 

For more information on Charlottesville and Albemarle County, visit the Charlottesville and Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website.

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

The U.Va. Jefferson Weekend Seminars are for those history lovers interested in exploring not only the deeds but also the hearts and minds of the men behind our nation.  It is perfect for those with great knowledge of Thomas Jefferson and for those wanting to gain more.  Teachers, students, friends, multigenerational family pairings….this is an experience for anyone who seeks out unique travel and learning opportunities that provide intellectual stimulation in a warm, congenial, and truly beautiful environment.

 

Part of an educational travel tradition with a long history of exceptional participant satisfaction, this seminar offers unsurpassed value, rich content, and memorable experiences.

Please e-mail us if you would like to be added to our inquiry list and be among the first to receive the most up to date information on this program.