Thomas Jefferson owned property in Bedford County called Poplar Forest beginning in 1773. When the British invaded Virginia, they set out to capture Jefferson who was Governor at the time. Jefferson moved the government from Richmond to Charlottesville in 1781, but was in imminent danger of capture. A local man, Jack Jouett overheard British officers discussing their plan at a local tavern and set off in the night to warn Jefferson at Monticello. Upon hearing the British were well on their way to Monticello, he and his family escaped to Poplar Forest in Bedford, staying on the grounds for two months.
Conversations with Thomas JeffersonTwo of the most influential men in American history meet for a one-of-a-kind conversation traversing the span of time from the arrival of the English ... Read More
Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes ToursTours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days Since 1989, using Jeffersonās documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forestās Restoration D... Read More
Architectural Restoration Behind the Scenes ToursTours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days Since 1989, using Jeffersonās documents and letters as their guide, Poplar Forestās Restoration D... Read More
Jefferson's Curiosities: The Virginia Wine IndustryThomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed āthe best dwelling house in the stateā as we delve into topic... Read More
Public Archaeology Day at Poplar ForestJoin Poplar Forestās Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave D... Read More
The Day is Past and GonePlaywright Teresa Harrisās original drama returns to Jeffersonās plantation for two performances only. Drawn from real-life experiences of the men... Read More
Jefferson's Curiosities: MusicThomas Jefferson had a well-known love of music. He played the fiddle himself and purchased instruments for his daughters and grandchildren throughout... Read More
1776 the MusicalEnjoy the 10th annual performance of events that took place 249 years ago at the retreat home of the principal author of the Declaration of Independen... Read More
Independence Day CelebrationThomas Jefferson held July 4th as āthe only birthday I ever commemorateā¦ā Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County... Read More
Face the Forest Obstacle Course RunJoin Poplar Forest for the 13th 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
Jefferson's Curiosities: ShakespeareThomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at the house he deemed āthe best dwelling house in the stateā as we delve into topic... Read More
Roots and Reconnection Festival Join the Poplar Forestās African American Advisory Group, interpretation and archaeology staff, and the Board of Directors for the Roots and Reconne... Read More
Naturalization Ceremony Join Thomas Jeffersonās Poplar Forest and the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) to witness a N... Read More
Archaeology Behind the Scenes ToursTours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. An amateur archaeologist known to have studied Native American material culture, Thomas Jefferson would surely be... Read More
Fall Harvest Dinner One of Americaās 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 Jeffersonās south lawn. Join Poplar... Read More
Holiday Candlelight ToursCelebrate the advent of the Christmas season in Jeffersonian style at Poplar Forest. Explore the presidentās cherished hideaway by candlelight on th... Read More
Daytime Holiday ToursTours offered on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. Enjoy Poplar Forest decked out for the holidays on this special daytime tour that focuses on holiday ... Read More
Holiday Candlelight Wine DinnerDinners held on December 13 and 20 at 6:30 p.m. Step back in time to experience the magic of Christmas past at a seated holiday dinner in Thomas Jeff... Read More