Peek into the private papers of Thomas Jefferson at new VHS exhibit opening this weekend

A new exhibit focusing on the private papers of Thomas Jefferson opens this weekend at the Virginia Historical Society. The exhibit, “The Private Jefferson,” draws from his personal papers and gives incredible insight into one of our nation’s founding fathers.

In 1898, a large collection of Thomas Jefferson’s private papers was given to the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS) by the president’s great-grandson, Thomas Jefferson Coolidge of Boston, which gave birth to the traveling exhibit.

Visitors will be able to read the words in Jefferson’s personal handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, as well as in a draft of the Declaration handwritten by John Adams, and a printed copy issued in Philadelphia in 1776. All three documents are extremely rare and are viewed by historians as among the most important in American history.

Various artifacts on loan from The Monticello Foundation will be on display, including a pearlware tea mug, a nail rod binder, and a bone toothbrush that were used by Jefferson’s slaves. Though he held slaves at Monticello, Jefferson called slavery a “moral depravity,” and almost succeeded in passing in Congress a ban of slavery in the territories in 1784. The exhibit will provide a window into his personality and motivations behind these actions and viewpoints.

In addition to the exhibition, the VHS will screen the film, Jefferson’s World. The film illuminates Jefferson’s vital role during America’s revolutionary struggle for independence and his political contributions afterwards. The film and Monticello’s artifacts highlight Jefferson’s many interests and hobbies, along with his controversial personal decisions. Jefferson’s World will screen on the hour, beginning at 10:30 AM each morning, for the duration of the exhibition.

“Jefferson was interested, it seems, in everything—from the sciences to the cultures of Native Americans, from religious beliefs to gadgets at Monticello,” said William Rasmussen, Lead Curator at the VHS. “He spoke five languages. What I find so extraordinary about him is the breadth and brilliance of his intellect. In architecture, for example, few Americans to this day have matched Jefferson’s accomplishments.”

The exhibition runs through January 22nd, 2017. Admission for non-members is $10 per person; VHS members receive free admission.

Learn more and purchase tickets online here.

Photo: Massachussetts Historical Society

Photo: Massachussetts Historical Society