Thomas Jefferson and Eliza Trist—friends in Philadelphia—spoke of exploring the Mississippi River territories two decades before Lewis & Clark’s expedition. Keeping a detailed journal (that still exists) of her 1783-1785 journey, his close friend Eliza Trist agreed to document her travels west. She ventured from the East Coast to Pittsburgh, and navigated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers deep into Spanish-owned Louisiana territory. This presentation explores the Jefferson-Trist partnership behind this early western exploration, the extensive details of her pioneering journey, her descendants’ ties to Jefferson, and her life-long contributions to the development of early America—culminating in her death and burial at Monticello.

About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation.

Tickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks

Other 2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events:

• Jefferson’s Travels through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.
• What Made Jefferson a Great Leader?: March 26, 2026 6:30 p.m.
• Thomas Jefferson’s Food Curiosities (Rachel Deddens): June 11, 2026 6:30 p.m.

*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.