FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2008

Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Prepares for Opening Day

 Jefferson’s Retreat Will Re-Open for the 2008 Season on April 1

Forest, VA – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest will open for the 2008 season on Tuesday, April 1^st. In 2008, architectural restoration and archaeology will continue to give visitors a rare glimpse into Jefferson’s architectural genius, his private life and the plantation community at Poplar Forest.  

200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson was directing construction at Poplar Forest from the White House as he completed his last year as President of the United States. This year, the restoration of Jefferson’s home at Poplar Forest enters a homestretch as craftsmen place the first finishing touches on the reconstruction of Jefferson’s 1814 wing of offices. In 2009, for the first time in more than 160 years, visitors to Poplar Forest will be able to stand on the lawn and see the exterior of the house as Jefferson designed it. 

Throughout 2008, visitors can witness Poplar Forest craftsmen complete the exterior restoration and reconstruction of the 100-foot long wing of service rooms flanking the octagonal house. Because the wing is set into a hill, craftsmen will work at visitors’ eye-level using early 19th-century materials, tools and building methods. New features completed during the winter months include hand crafted doors, window frames and sashes. Visitors to Poplar Forest in 2008 will witness the installation of the final layer of Jefferson’s “terras” roof – the flat deck that allowed Jefferson to “sally out with the owls & the bats” on the wing at Poplar Forest.  

Also this spring, out on the grounds, archaeologists will continue excavation at the current artifact-rich site, a heavily used area outside of Jefferson’s ornamental grounds at Poplar Forest. This site has poured forth more than 25,000 Jefferson-era artifacts that are revealing much about how he shaped his villa landscape and providing insight into the lives of the plantation community that lived and worked at Poplar Forest. Visitors to Poplar Forest in 2008 will have the opportunity to view the current archaeological site and see artifacts on display at the archaeology lab. 

“Every year brings the opportunity to discover new clues about exactly what Jefferson’s retreat was like,” said Lynn Beebe, president of Poplar Forest. “As we approach a new milestone in the restoration of the house, 2008 promises to be an exciting opportunity for both our close neighbors and travelers to visit Poplar Forest and witness the fascinating work that is taking place in restoration and archaeology.” 

Visiting Artist on Opening Day

On April 1, artist Michael Martin will be available in the Poplar Forest Museum Shop to talk to visitors and sign original prints from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. His drawings of Poplar Forest are created with graphite, which gives strong contrasting values and smooth transitions, and normally take anywhere from 30 to 50 hours to create. 8.5 x 11-inch prints are signed and numbered by the artist and available for sale in the Museum Shop. Mr. Martin is from Bruington, Virginia.  

Tours

Poplar Forest is open six days a week, Wednesday through Monday, April 1^st through November 30^th. The property is closed on Tuesdays (except April 1^st) and on Thanksgiving Day. Guided tours of Jefferson’s octagonal house begin at 10 a.m. and run every half hour, with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m. Admission for house tours is $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $8 for active military, $1 for youth 6-16, and free for children under 6. A self-guided grounds tour is $4. Tours for groups of more than 20 are available at a discounted rate by appointment. 

Poplar Forest also offers a variety of special events throughout the season. Visit the website, www.poplarforest.org, for a calendar of events as well as more information about restoration and archaeology this year. Poplar Forest is located in Bedford Country, near Lynchburg.  

About Poplar Forest

Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours, special events, and school outreach programs.  Poplar Forest is open April through November, Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information. 

NOTE: Images are available. Please email anna@poplarforest.org for more information.

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