Freedom 250: Thomas Jefferson and the Legacy of the Declaration of Independence

As we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Ashbrook is stepping back in history to learn more about the author of this vitally important document in our nation’s history. 

 

We invite our Director’s Club members to join us in Charlottesville, VA for… 

 

Monticello

Tour the home Thomas Jefferson designed, redesigned, built, and rebuilt over the course of more than 40 years. Guests will not only tour the building’s iconic dome, but will also have exclusive access to archival documents. Explore pieces from the Presidential Library Archives that were curated exclusively for our group by Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, a 2025 George Washington Prize Finalist for her recent book Thomas Jefferson and the Fight Against Slavery. 

 

Montpelier

The weekend will also feature a private tour of Montpelier, the nearby estate of James Madison, 4th president of the United States and “Father of the Constitution,” where we will get a glimpse into the lives of James Madison and First Lady, Dolley. 

 

Conversations with…

Dr. Cara Rogers Stevens, Associate Professor of History at Ashland University. Her book, Thomas Jefferson and the Fight Against Slavery (Kansas University Press, 2024), won the Herbert J. Storing Book Prize, was a finalist for the Center for Presidential History’s Book Prize, was runner-up for the Journal of the American Revolution’s Book of the Year award, and was a finalist for the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History’s George Washington Prize. The book examines what Jefferson did—and did not—do to end slavery and bring equality to America.

 

Accommodations

 

We’re pleased to share that there is no registration fee for the 2026 Director’s Club Weekend. Your meals, local transportation, and tours are included as a benefit of being a Director’s Club member. In order to secure the best rate for lodging, Ashbrook is reserving and paying for rooms directly and passing the savings on to you. The fee charged below is for one room for a two-night stay at the Boar’s Head Resort, checking in on April 24th and checking out on April 26th. Further lodging details will be sent to you upon registration. If you require additional nights, or an additional room or if you do not require lodging, please contact us at emodricker@ashbrook.org.

 

Register Now!

We hope you’ll plan to join us for a weekend of fun, fellowship, and renewing our understanding of America’s Founding Principles. 

“Freedom 250: Thomas Jefferson and the Legacy of the Declaration of Independence” April 24-26, 2026, Charlottesville, VA.

Register using the form below by March 24th!