Press Releases
Michael Kranish, author of “Flight from Monticello” to speak at Poplar Forest on Sunday, April 25 -
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest will host author Michael Kranish for a book signing and lecture on Sunday, April 25th at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Kranish is the author of Flight from Monticello: Thomas Jefferson at War.
Flight from Monticello tells the story of the 1781 invasion that forced Jefferson to take flight from Richmond and ultimately from his home at Monticello. A narrative of clashing armies and private turmoil, Flight from Monticello relies on a variety of previously untapped sources, including diaries and the logs of British warships.
As Benedict Arnold and British forces invaded Virginia, then-Governor Thomas Jefferson fled to safety at his Bedford County plantation, Poplar Forest. Jefferson, his wife Martha, and their two young girls probably stayed with the plantation overseer in what would have been a two-room house. A fall from his horse prolonged the stay for nearly two months. During this time, Jefferson began drafting his only published book, Notes on the State of Virginia.
In his lecture on April 25th, Mr. Kranish will discuss Jefferson’s flight, the route he took to Poplar Forest, and the important role that his Poplar Forest plantation played during this time.
The book has been reviewed by the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and others. Mr. Kranish has recently spoken at Monticello, Colonial Williamsburg, the National Archives, the Library of Congress and the Virginia Historical Society. He is an author, historian, and a Washington correspondent for The Boston Globe.
You can read more about the author, the book, and the reception that it has received at http://www.michaelkranish.com/Michael_Kranish/Flight_from_Monticello.html.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Regular admission will be charged for those wishing to go on a house tour. Please call the Museum Shop at (434) 534-8120 for more information.
About Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home. Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark that was recently added to the U.S. nomination list to become a World Heritage Site. Exhibiting award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours, special events and school outreach programs. Open April through November, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays (closed) and Thanksgiving Day (holiday). For more information about Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org.
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Director, Public Relations & Marketing
P.O. Box 419
Forest, Virginia 24551-0419
Phone: (434) 534-8116
Email: media@poplarforest.org
All other calls should be directed to (434) 525-1806.
To be added to Poplar Forest's media list, please contact media@poplarforest.org.