Saturday, April 11, 2026
Monticello’s Founders Day Weekend: Character, Service, and the American Experiment: A Conversation with General Jim Mattis and David M. Rubenstein
Location: West Lawn of Monticello
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. / (Seating begins at 3:30pm)
Join Monticello for a thought-provoking conversation between retired four-star general and 26th United States Secretary of Defense General Jim Mattis and philanthropist, author, and civic leader David M. Rubenstein - two leaders who have spent decades reflecting on the meaning of leadership, character, and service to the nation.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Monticello’s Founders Day Weekend: Jefferson's Birthday Celebration & Annual Wreath Ceremony
Location: West Lawn of Monticello
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Join Monticello as the United States Army places the presidential wreath at Jefferson's grave, accompanied by performances from the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.
After the ceremony, make sure to stop by our Community Partner Tent to chat with local organizations showcasing their important work in our community, pick up a free birthday cupcake, and enjoy family-friendly activities. Guests can also meet Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker, hear about his life, wish him a happy birthday, and take photos on the iconic West Lawn.
Jason Rezaian, the recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, will be the featured speaker. This celebration is free and open to the public.
For those who can't make it in person, the event will be livestreamed on Monticello's website, on Facebook, and on YouTube.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Founder's Day Tree Planting Ceremony
Location: South Entrance, Shannon Library
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Henry Louis Gates Jr. : 2026 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medalist in Citizen Leadership Fireside Chat
Location: Garret Hall
Time: 11:00 a.m.
You must register to attend this event. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is the 2026 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Citizen Leadership, which is the highest external honor bestowed by the University and recognizes the achievements of luminaries who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson excelled and held in high regard.
Dr. Gates is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. An Emmy, duPont, and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, and institution builder, he has published numerous books and produced and hosted an array of documentary films about Black History.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Gates to Garrett Hall on April 14 for a conversation with Dean Ian Solomon.
Presentation of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals (By Invitation Only)
Location: The Rotunda, Dome Room
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Jeanne Gang: 2026 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medalist in Architecture Public Talk
Location: Newcomb Theater
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This is not a ticketed event, and is free and open to all! The Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals – sponsored jointly by the University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the nonprofit organization that owns and operates Monticello – are awarded each year to recognize the achievements of those who embrace endeavors in which Jefferson – author of the Declaration of Independence, third U.S. president and founder of the University of Virginia – excelled and held in high regard. Gang joins a distinguished list of past recipients of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture, including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, I.M. Pei, Frank Gehry, Toyo Ito, Zaha Hadid, Francis Kéré, Andrew Freear, Kate Orff and Walter J. Hood.
Updated: February 24, 2026