FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2008

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

Poplar Forest Hosts Open House, Talk & Tour
in Celebration of Historic Preservation Month

May 17, 2008
3 p.m.

Forest , VA – On May 17, 2008 the public is invited to a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing and meticulous restoration of Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home. Director of Restoration Travis McDonald will present a slide talk and tour explaining why Jefferson 's design of his retreat at Poplar Forest was a radically modern architectural work in early America . Space is limited. Please call (434) 534-8120 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.

McDonald will discuss how Jefferson’s design for Poplar Forest is an architectural "melting pot" and a perfect counterbalance between classical and modern.

At Poplar Forest , Jefferson utilized many of the architectural ideas he had collected throughout his years of study and his travels abroad. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a deck to stroll outdoors in the evenings, a modern kitchen, a skylight, even an indoor “privy” all combined to make Poplar Forest a strikingly modern house for its time and even for the next 100 years.

The current restoration work on the wing of service rooms is one of the most Jeffersonian parts of Poplar Forest's architecture and one that was innovative and unusual in American architecture. Upon its completion at the end of this year, visitors to Poplar Forest will be able to stand on the lawn and see the exterior of the house as Jefferson designed it.

“In 2008, the restoration of Jefferson’s retreat enters a homestretch as we begin to complete the wing of service rooms,” said Travis McDonald. “Visitors can almost see the exterior of the house as Jefferson designed it and I hope to let them sneak a peek into Jefferson’s architectural genius so that they may marvel as I do at the scope of his imagination at Poplar Forest .”

“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.

May 10-18 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 17 th 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 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 $9, adults; $7.50, seniors; $8 active military; $1, youth, ages 6-16; 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 McAlpine at (434) 534-8116 or anna@poplarforest.org for additional information.

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