• About Us
• News
• Events
• Shop

Press Releases

Take a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Restoration of Jefferson’s Retreat -

On May 16, 2009 the public is invited to a behind-the-scenes, guided look at the ongoing restoration of Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home. Space is limited. Please call (434) 534-8110 for reservations. 

Poplar Forest was an important part of Jefferson’s life. It was his most personal architectural creation and landscape, a place where he came to find rest and leisure, rekindle his creativity, and to enjoy private family time.

Director of Architectural Restoration, Travis McDonald will present a slide talk and tour titled, “Poplar Forest: New World Palladian Villa.”

Throughout his long architectural career Thomas Jefferson greatly valued Andrea Palladio’s 16th century Four Books of Architecture. The talk will explore topics of Jefferson’s architectural relationship to Palladio: How faithful is Poplar Forest to Palladian design and theory? What did Jefferson learn from Palladio’s predecessors? What did Jefferson add from his own time? Why is Thomas Jefferson considered the inheritor and the last best practitioner of the Palladian tradition?

Through Poplar Forest, Jefferson presents one of the best-resolved examples of the centuries-old quest of blending the "Real" and the "Ideal." Tours following the talk will focus on the recently reconstructed wing of service rooms at Poplar Forest, unveiled on April 1. The wing is one of the most Palladian parts of Poplar Forest's architecture and one that was innovative and unusual in American architecture.

“In 2009, visitors to Poplar Forest finally have the opportunity to experience the architectural exterior of Poplar Forest as Jefferson intended for it to be seen,” said Travis McDonald. “During the Open House, I hope to give you a sneak a peek into Jefferson’s architectural genius so that you may marvel as I do at the scope of his imagination at Poplar Forest.”

Travis McDonald was appointed to lead the architectural restoration of Poplar Forest when the nonprofit corporation began restoration in 1989. He has led a team of Architectural Advisory Panel, restoration architect, restoration craftsmen, and specialized consultants. He earned his master’s degree in architectural history at the University of Virginia and his B.A. at the University of Texas.

“This Place Matters” – National Historic Preservation Month
May is National Historic Preservation Month and as part of the national celebration, Poplar Forest will use this opportunity to join with other sites to educate the public about the importance of historic preservation and restoration. More information about Preservation Month is available at http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/preservation-month/.

May 11-17 is also National Tourism Week, an important time to visit and enjoy a local tourist attraction. Tourism is one of Virginia's most powerful industries, generating $17.7 billion in visitor spending, supporting 208,000 jobs and providing $1.2 billion in state and local taxes to Virginia's communities.

Details
The Restoration Open House is Saturday, May 16th at 3:00 p.m. Advance tickets are not required but reservations are recommended. The talk and tour is free with regular house admission, which also includes a separate tour of the house either before or after the restoration tour.

About Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers educational outreach programs, tours and special events. Poplar Forest is open Wednesday through Monday, April through November; except Thanksgiving Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission for house tours is $10, adults; $9, seniors; $9 active military; $5, youth, ages12-18; $2, youth 6-11; free, children under the age of 6. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information.

NOTE:  Images of the restoration process are available and interviews may be arranged in advance. Please contact Anna Bentson at (434) 534-8116 or anna@poplarforest.org for additional information.

Poplar Forest is open to the public seven days a week, March 15 through December 15 (closed Thanksgiving Day). Group tours are available year-round by appointment.