Monticello Virginia

 We visited Monticello on Friday 2 October, 2020.

The visit was modified because of Covid-19 adjustments. We reserved a house tour online and arrived early. There's a brief film at the visitor's centre. 

We decided to walk up to the house, which was a surprising climb. We sat for a brief introduction then entered the house in small groups. Photography was allowed so I will include some photos.

Jefferson as a man of science

Georgian Silver

Outside, an actor provided an impressive talk as Thomas Jefferson. He answered all questions posed to him by the attentive and challenging audience.

There are a few cabins where slaves lived and locations marked where they worked. Jefferson enslaved more than 600 people during his life.

Here's a look inside a cabin representing the home of Sally Hemings (1773-1835) known as Jefferson's concubine. She was a half-sister to Jefferson's wife, Martha Wayles (1746-1782). According to the tradition, Sally and Martha had the same father, John Wayles.

There's also a furnished kitchen close to the main house.

It is not hard to detect which headstone is for Thomas Jefferson in the family cemetery.

Books about Thomas Jefferson and Monticello

Thomas Jefferson eBooks

Visitor notes

I suspect things are subject to change so I advise checking the website for current information.

Monticello.org

There is an app, which provides an audio guide to the rooms and text with additional information. There is WiFi in the home.

The website has an extended section on  slavery at Monticello.

I did not see people of colour among the guides and staff who interacted with us.

There is a gift shop, but we did not purchase anything.

There is a small museum at the visitor centre.

You can purchase food onsite, but we went back to our vehicle and ate lunch there. At the time we were there, you could take a water bottle with you to the house and grounds.

There are toilets and a place to refill water bottles.

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