Bedford’s story stretches from America’s colonial frontier to the vibrant community we celebrate today. For more than two and a half centuries, this Blue Ridge region has reflected the perseverance, service, and innovation that define the American experience.
During the Revolutionary era, Bedford played a meaningful role in the fight for independence. Thomas Jefferson acquired Poplar Forest here in 1773, later retreating to the property in 1781 as British forces advanced through Virginia. Local militia and citizens supported the patriot cause, contributing to the birth of a new nation.
Through the 19th century, Bedford evolved from a frontier settlement into a thriving agricultural and industrial community. The area endured the challenges of the Civil War and Reconstruction, emerging stronger through generations of hard work and determination.
In the 20th century, Bedford became nationally known for its extraordinary legacy of military service. The National D-Day Memorial stands here as a tribute to all Allied forces who took part in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. Bedford also honors the profound sacrifice of its own “Bedford Boys,” who suffered the nation’s highest known per capita D-Day losses, through the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. This tradition of service and remembrance continues at the Bedford Vietnam Veterans Memorial and through the many veterans and active-duty families who call Bedford home.
As America commemorates 250 years of independence, Bedford invites you to walk where history was made — at places like Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest — and to experience the sites that preserve, interpret, and honor our shared story, including the National D-Day Memorial, Bedford Boys Tribute Center, Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library, and the Bedford Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Here, past and present come together amid the natural beauty of the Peaks of Otter, Smith Mountain Lake, and the welcoming spirit of our town and countryside.
Spring Naturalization CeremonyJoin Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a N... Read More
250th Commemorative Conference - America's Founding: Legacy and InfluenceConference: Exploring the Lasting Significance of the Nation's Founding. April 17 at 6:30PM April 18 8am-4:30pm Keynote Event Jason Q. Bohm, Ma... Read More
Historic Garden Week in LynchburgAdd a tour of Thomas Jefferson’s private villa and ornamental gardens to your Historic Garden Week itinerary. An avid gardener and one of America... Read More
Conversations with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin FranklinThe annual Conversations with Mr. Jefferson program returns to his retreat home in 2026! Join us as three of the most influential men in Colonial A... Read More
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Conversations with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin FranklinThe annual Conversations with Mr. Jefferson program will be returning to his retreat home in 2026! Join us as three of the most influential men in Co... Read More
Living History presented by The Fincastle CompanyCome to the Moneta/SML library to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Independence! Enjoy a living historic performance presented by the Fincastle Comp... Read More
US Capitol Flag Dedication at Bedford's Big Otter MillBoy Scout Troup 183 from Bedford will lead a dedication ceremony honoring the installation of an American flag that has flown over the US Capitol. The... Read More
Jefferson's Curiosities: Jefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase)Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed "the best dwelling house in the state" as we delve into topics he... Read More
Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes TourTours offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forest’s Restor... Read More
Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes TourTours offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forest’s Restor... Read More
Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes TourTours offered at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. both days. Since 1989, using Jefferson’s documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forest’s Restor... Read More
The Day is Past and GonePlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. Drawn from real-life experiences of ... Read More
The Day is Past and GonePlaywright Teresa Harris’s original drama returns to Jefferson’s plantation for two additional performances. Drawn from real-life experiences of ... Read More
Jefferson & Adams: A Stage PlayJoin us as we welcome Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Abigail Adams in a presentation of "Jefferson & Adams" a stage play written by Howard Ginsburg... Read More
Jefferson & Adams: A Stage PlayJoin us as we welcome Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Abigail Adams in a presentation of "Jefferson & Adams" a stage play written by Howard Ginsburg... Read More
Jefferson's Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens)Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed "the best dwelling house in the state" as we delve into topics he... Read More
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 E... Read More
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 E... Read More
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 E... Read More
Independence Day Celebration Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as "the only birthday I ever commemorate…" Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County ret... Read More
Face the Forest 5k Obstacle Course RunJoin Poplar Forest for the 14th Annual Face the Forest Obstacle Course Run! Challenge yourself to beat the clock as you take on a 3.1-mile obstacle ra... Read More
Exploring the Legacy of America's Founding DocumentThis year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of VA250, Poplar Forest will host a conversation on t... Read More
Book Talk: Frank CoglianoFrank Cogliano (University of Edinburgh) will discuss his new book (co-authored with Peter Onuf), Thomas Jefferson Survives: American Independence in ... Read More
Roots and Reconnection FestivalJoin the Poplar Forest’s African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Recon... Read More
Fall Naturalization CeremonyJoin Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest to witness a Naturalization Ceremony welcoming 30 new American citizens in honor of Constitution Day, the day ... Read More
Jefferson's Curiosities: Jefferson & Religion (Nathon Taylor)Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed "the best dwelling house in the state" as we delve into topics he... Read More
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Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tours An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 400,000 ... Read More
Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tours An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 400,000 ... Read More
Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tours An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 400,000 ... Read More
Archaeology Behind-the-Scenes Tours An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be fascinated by the more than 400,000 ... Read More
Give Me Liberty Traveling ExhibitionGive Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation will explore the unique and essential Virginia people, events, and sites that helped bring liberty... Read More
Book Talk: Brian Alexander Jefferson's Manual of Parliamentary PracticeAs vice president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson presided over the Senate. To improve its procedures, he wrote A Manual of Parliamentary Pract... Read More
Bill Clevlen Book Talk: Presidential Road TripsTravel writer Bill Clevlen is out with a new book called Presidential Road Trips. The book guides readers to places where American presidents made his... Read More
Fall Harvest Dinner One of America’s first foodies, Thomas Jefferson had a taste for fine wines and gourmet foods. Join the president, as portrayed by actor Bill Barker... Read More
Fall Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival Eat, drink, shop and explore a gem of American history when the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival returns to Thomas Jefferson’s south lawn. Join Poplar... Read More