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Poplar Forest Celebrates a Milestone: 25 Years of Ongoing Rescue and Restoration -

Hollywood Stars Entertain at Jefferson’s retreat, Recognizing 25 years of support

On Thursday, June 4th, long-time supporters of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest feted the 25-year anniversary of the rescue of Jefferson’s retreat. Award-winning actor Robert Duvall, recognizing the tireless work of those that began the rescue and restoration of this special place, delighted the audience by reading the words of Thomas Jefferson. Other special guests in attendance were actress Connie Britton and actor/director Scott Cooper.

One of only two homes designed and created for his personal use, Poplar Forest was Jefferson’s most private architectural masterpiece. Begun in 1806 and used a retreat during his retirement years, Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest to rekindle his creativity, spend time with his grandchildren and pursue his favorite activities: reading, writing and thinking. Designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior and nearly lost to development, the retreat was rescued in 1984, and today is considered by the professional preservation community as one of the most important projects in the country.

Today visitors and supporters have the exciting opportunity to “be there at the beginning”— to experience the award-winning rescue, archaeological exploration, and restoration of one of America’s most important national landmarks.

Connie Britton, actress and Lynchburg native, began the evening by reading letters from Jefferson’s granddaughters that described the time that they spent with their grandfather at Poplar Forest. “My grandfather was very happy during these sojourns in a comparatively simple and secluded district—far from noise and news—of both of which he got too much at Monticello; and we, his grand-daughters, were very happy, too.” [Ellen Randolph]

After dinner, actor and director Scott Cooper, also a Virginia native, introduced Mr. Duvall, who then read excerpts from Thomas Jefferson’s most personal letters.

“Within a few days I retire to my family, my books and farms; and having gained the harbor myself, I shall look on my friends still buffeting the storm with anxiety indeed, but not with envy. Never did a prisoner released from his chains feel such relief as I shall on shaking off the shackles of power…. I shall retire into the bosom of my native state, endeared to me by every tie which can attach the human heart.” [Thomas Jefferson]

Duvall spoke of Jefferson’s enduring quality as a true American hero. 

“This special place offers to us a deep understanding of an extraordinary individual— whose ideas still resonate more than 200 years later throughout the world,” said Mr. Duvall.  

The nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest was formed in December 1983 and in January 1984 they succeeded in taking title to a 50-acre parcel of land which was all that remained with the original buildings at the heart of Jefferson’s original plantation. In 1986 Poplar Forest opened to the public for the first time. The ongoing land rescue, archaeological exploration, and restoration is made possible entirely through donations to The Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a nonprofit 501c(3) organization.

“It is extraordinary to realize that one of America’s pre-eminent national treasures—the home of a Founding Father, and a place so important to Thomas Jefferson— came so close to being lost,” said Lynn Beebe, Poplar Forest’s president. “Just as previous generations rescued Mt. Vernon and Monticello for all of us, it has fallen to our generation of Americans to take up the challenge, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience, of rescuing a major national legacy.”

Awarded the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Honor Award, Poplar Forest is in the infancy of its rescue and restoration compared to the other American landmarks such as Mount Vernon and Monticello.

Visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries have come to Poplar Forest to experience Thomas Jefferson, the private man, and his ideas. They are witnessing archaeologists bringing new information to light and craftsmen painstakingly restoring Jefferson’s ideal space for his personal pursuit of happiness.

About the Speakers

Robert Duvall
Longtime Faquier County, Virginia resident, Robert Duvall is an Academy Award winning actor and director who began his career appearing in theater during the late 1950s, moving to supporting film roles during the 1960s in such works as To Kill a Mockingbird. He has starred in many of the greatest films arguably that were ever made; including The Godfather I and II, Apocalypse Now, The Great Santini, and The Apostle as well as the epic television mini-series, Lonesome Dove. Recognized as one of this country’s finest actors, Duvall was awarded a National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush in 2005.

Connie Britton
Born in Boston, Massachusetts but re-located to Lynchburg, Virginia at the age of seven, Connie Britton is an actress who continually receives accolades for her work in television and film. After stand-out roles on series such as Spin City, 24, and The West Wing, she currently stars on NBC/DirecTV’s Friday Night Lights. She also starred in the film of the same name and in director Edward Burn’s The Brother’s McMullen.

Scott Cooper
Now living in Los Angeles, Scott Cooper was born and raised in Abingdon, Virginia. After graduating from Hampton-Sydney College, Scott moved to New York City to study at the famed Lee Strasberg School of Acting. Scott has appeared in numerous films and television shows; most notably, the critically acclaimed and award-winning western, Broken Trail, opposite Robert Duvall, and the upcoming Get Low, with Virginia’s own Sissy Spacek. Scott recently make his writing and directing debut in the film Crazy Heart, starring Jeff Bridges, Colin Farrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Robert Duvall. The movie will be released this fall.

Pursue Happiness! in 2009
2009 is the 200th Anniversary of Jefferson’s retirement from public office and his first stays at his secluded retreat home. Several events this summer and fall will continue the celebration.

Check out the full 2009 calendar of events at Poplar Forest at www.poplarforest.org, including information on the Richmond Symphony, October 3, and the first Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival, November 21.

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, ages 12-18; $2, youth 6-11; free, children under the age of 6. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information.

HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT ANNA@POPLARFOREST.ORG FOR MORE 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.