Each year on GivingTuesday, something extraordinary happens at Montpelier. Friends near and far come together in a spirit of generosity to keep this special place thriving, to ensure that the home of James and Dolley Madison continues to speak to the ideals and struggles that shape our democracy

On #Thanksgiving in 1907 #TheodoreRoosevelt and family took a train from Washington DC to visit #Montpelier, then the private home of William and Annie duPont. Read more about Roosevelt’s visit in this blog post about Montpelier’s presidential guests. www.montpelier.org/three-presid...

Kelley Fanto Deetz, Chief Advancement Officer for James Madison’s Montpelier, joined More Perfect and George Washington’s Mount Vernon for a convening of leaders of Presidential Centers and Sites to explore deeper collaboration to support Presidential Centers in sharing information, engaging in

(1/2) General #Lafayette visited Montpelier from November 15-19, 1824, and again in 1825. Ailsey Payne, #enslaved housemaid and later cook, had vivid memories of preparing for Lafayette’s first visit in 1824. Read her story at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

#JamesMadison 1827: “Instances are not rare of confirmed health & even great longevity, in Constitutions feeble & frail in early life. Among the best means of promoting this result, are exercise & social recreations...” Explore 8 miles of trails at #MyMontpelier on #TakeAHikeDay!

#RevolutionaryWar Gen. #Lafayette made a triumphal return to the US in 1824, arriving at Montpelier #OTD. During a series of toasts at a dinner in Orange, Madison honored Lafayette for “his persevering devotion to the great principles of our Revolution.”

Consider the Constitution Ep 19: The Power of Place: Historic Preservation at James Madison's Montpelier In this special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the co-stewardship partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Montpelier Foundation, host Dr. Katie

(1/4) It’s #NationalPickleDay! #Pickling was an important food preservation method in the 19th century. Montpelier’s #enslaved gardeners could produce fresh cucumbers and other vegetables and fruits for only a few weeks in the year,

#OTD 1825, Madison wrote to chastise stepson Payne Todd for a “long & mysterious absence” in Philadelphia, urging “My dear P.” to “Let the worst be known, that the best may be made of it.” Madison promised to pay Todd’s debts, but Todd’s struggles with debt and alcohol continued.

(1/4) The #VIP visitors are coming! #OTD in 1835, #DolleyMadison wrote to the Madisons’ friend William Cabell Rives: “Mr Madison ... will be very happy, as Mrs Madison will be, in the promised visit of the Vice-President, Mr Martini, and himself tomorrow.”

#VeteransDay Honoring the sons of Paul Jennings, Madison’s #enslaved valet, who served in the #CivilWar: John Jennings (5th US Colored Troops), Franklin Jennings (5th Mass. Colored Cavalry), and William Jennings (24th US Colored Troops; flag is shown). Library of Congress image

Introducing a NEW guide to exploring Virginia’s remarkable history — the Virginia 250 Passport! We’re thrilled to join @virginiahistory @visitvirginia @VA250 @colonialwmsburg @jyfmuseums @mount_vernon @tjmonticello and sites across the Commonwealth in this collaborative, statewide initiative to

(1/2) In a 1783 address to the States by Congress, Madison called #RevolutionaryWar #veterans “that illustrious & patriotic band of fellow Citizens, whose blood and whose bravery have defended the liberties of their Country.”

1/2) #OTD 1791, #JamesMadison made these observations on the #symmetry of #nature: “The planetary system, the greatest portion of the Universe, as yet brought under human observation, is regulated by fixed laws, and presents most demonstrably, a scene of order and proportion. ...

(1/3) In Nov. 1772, 21 yo #JamesMadison didn’t know what to do with his life. He wrote “I am too dull and infirm now to look out for any extraordinary things in this world, for I think my sensations for many months past have intimated to me not to expect a long or healthy life.”

(1/2) #OTD 1790, as #JamesMadison headed to Philadelphia, he left a long list of instructions for his overseers, including directions to "get a plow made by Moses." Learn more about Moses's life and work at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

Montpelier extends our thoughts and prayers to Dick Cheney's family and friends after their loss. Cheney served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush and visited Montpelier back in 2014. Photo by Jen Fariello

We are BACK! James Madison's Montpelier's magazine "We the People" has officially returned! Montpelier's flagship publication, We The People, highlights the best of Montpelier's wonderful programs, news, and museum changes. You can have a look and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter,

(1/2) Whether you #voted early or are heading to the polls today, take a moment on #ElectionDay to appreciate the opportunity to make your voice heard. As #JamesMadison wrote in 1824, "The U.S. are now furnishing models & lessons to all the world ...

Tomorrow is #ElectionDay! But it’s too late to #vote for #JamesMadison or #JamesMonroe, who faced off in a Congressional election in 1789. Read our post to learn how the election sometimes paralleled–and sometimes diverged from–a typical election today.

(1/2) #OTD 1787, #JamesMadison's father distributed shoes to 50 #enslaved people, recording their names and shoe sizes on this scrap of paper. The list gives us a tiny insight into the lives of people like Harry Read his story at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

We ain’t afraid of no #ghosts ... especially not the architectural kind! 👻 Check out our blog post on “Finding 👻 👻 at Montpelier”... IF YOU DARE... www.montpelier.org/finding-ghos... #HappyHalloween!

(1/2) #OTD 1772 was the wedding of #JamesMadison's brother Francis to Susannah Bell. Gideon was one of 6 enslaved people given by Madison's father to the newlywed couple a few months after their marriage. We know only the barest outlines of Gideon's life. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

Behind the scenes filming at Montpelier for America the Bountiful! Dontavius Williams and Capri Cafaro showed us how to make Pepper Pot soup - stew of beef, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The soup was first made in West Africa and the Caribbean before being brought to

In keeping up with our silver anniversary we are looking at all The Montpelier Foundation has accomplished in the last 25 years! Today we look at The COVID-19 Pandemic. In 2020 The Montpelier Foundation adapted to the evolving COVID-19 guidance by temporarily closing to the public, then reopening

(1/3) #JamesMadison & #DolleyMadison were rarely apart during their 4 decades of #marriage, but when they were, their #loveletters conveyed the strength of their connection. #OTD 1805, when Dolley was in Philadelphia for medical treatment, she wrote to James:

(1/3) On #WorldPastaDay, how about some #macandcheese with the Madisons? Although we usually associate #DolleyMadison with ice cream, Dolley liked #pasta too.

(1/2) #OTD 1793 Dolley lost her first husband John Todd Jr. and baby William Temple Todd to #yellowfever as it ravaged #Philadelphia. John Todd’s parents also died in the epidemic. Dolley, who had been ill herself, was now a widow with a 2-yr-old son, John Payne Todd.

(1/2) #OTD 1805, #DolleyMadison mentioned #enslaved carriage driver Peter in a letter to her husband. Dolley was in #Philadelphia for medical treatment, and was anxious for Peter to return and tell her that he had driven James safely back to Washington DC. More: www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

(1/2) #OTD 1809, a “large and brilliant company” attended a public dinner in Richmond honoring retired President #ThomasJefferson, with a series of 17 formal #toasts. After a toast to “the People of the U. States” and another to “the Union of American States,”

(1/3) It’s #NationalAppleDay! #Apples were an important crop at Montpelier. In 1790 James Madison left instructions for enslaved overseer Sawney “To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain.”

(1/2) The #treaty’s not final till the #diplomats exchange the versions their governments ratified, and that’s what #SecretaryofState #JamesMadison and French diplomat Louis-Andre Pichon did with the #LouisianaPurchase treaty #OTD in 1803.

(1/2) John H. I. Browere visited Montpelier in Oct. 1825 to make a life mask of #JamesMadison, applying layers of plaster to his face. This bust is as close as we can get to looking Madison in the face! Montpelier repro of bust from @FenimoreArt, gift of Stephen C. Clark.

Today we look at Catharine Taylor, who sued for her #family’s #freedom. Read more at www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p... #SayTheirNames #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory #InvisibleFounders #CompleteAmericanStory @jmmdescendants @SavingPlaces

(1/3) It’s not a presidential #election year, but have you researched your state and local #candidates? As #JamesMadison wrote to W. T. Barry on August 4, 1822:

In keeping up with our silver anniversary we are looking at all The Montpelier Foundation has accomplished in the last 25 years! Today we look at the Mere Distinction of Colour Exhibit. The exhibition's title was drawn from James Madison’s words on June 6th, 1787, when he said that the “most

On October 8th, the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution hosted 24 international judges in partnership with the Presidential Precinct's 2-week Judicial Fellowship Program. The Judicial Fellowship Program is a professional exchange and residential learning experience for international judges

Save the Date! Make Montpelier part of your holiday plans and experience our Holiday Open House & Winter Market. All are invited to this community holiday event on Friday, December 5th from 4-8pm. Explore the Madisons’ home, decorated in 19th-century customs.

#OTD 1793, during the deadly 1793 #YellowFever #epidemic, #GeorgeWashington asked #JamesMadison’s advice: should the #President change the meeting place for Congress? Their discussion reveals surprising issues facing the 4-year-old government. Read more:

#Checkmate -- it’s #NationalChessDay! #JamesMadison had a “passion for chess,” according to one friend. #Jefferson's granddaughter wrote that she had heard Jefferson "speak of 'four hour games' with Mr. Madison." Would YOU challenge Madison to a game of #chess? Montpelier Photo

Check out our gift shop for the limited addition 90th Anniversary of the Montpelier Hunt Races merchandise! This decanter features our limited edition 90th race logo centered in a silver medallion. This elegant decanter is handcrafted of lead-free glass. The decanter holds 25 ounces and measures

Today is the last day to register for Sun Prints at Montpelier: Art with Light and Landscape! Join us October 25th for a unique art-making experience at James Madison’s Montpelier, where history, nature, and creativity come together in a hands-on workshop exploring the magic of sun prints.

(1/3) #OTD 1878, #President Rutherford B. Hayes gave a #speech at Montpelier. “In view of this beautiful scene, the magnificent range of the Blue Ridge, this verdant lawn and hospitable mansion, here at the home of Madison, we may surely say ...

Gather your family and friends for a Black Friday Holiday Wreath Workshop at James Madison’s Montpelier November 28th. Create your very own wreath with cuttings straight from Montpelier! Led by Justine Platt (The Bluebird Barn), this workshop is great for all skill levels. Workshop will be offered

Wish Virginia a Happy Birthday with our James Madison's Montpelier VA250th Anniversary merch! Available in both our onsite and online gift shops.

#OTD in 1817, the cornerstone was laid for Central College (future #UniversityOfVirginia). As an original member of the Board of Visitors, #JamesMadison was there for the ceremony! He later succeeded #Jefferson as the second Rector of #UVA. 1856 View of UVA, Library of Congress

It's #WorldTeachersDay! #JamesMadison remembered Donald Robertson as “a man of extensive learning, and a distinguished Teacher,” who taught him Latin, Greek, French, arithmetic, geography, algebra, and geometry. Celebrate your special #teacher today! Larry Bouterie📷

(1/2) #JamesMadison told a visitor in 1835 that roughly one-third of the people #enslaved at #Montpelier were children under 5 years old. Read the story of one “little girl” whose name is unknown, at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...

Watch the recording of Constitution Day's Three Friends: Reflections on the Revolution www.youtube.com/watch?v=rold...

James Madison’s Montpelier is pleased to offer free entrance to the property for furloughed government employees and their families for the duration of the shutdown. House tours still require a ticket for admission, and proof of government I.D. is required for the property pass.