Poplar Forest: Press Release

Poplar Forest Included on World Heritage Nomination List

Recognition Signifies Global Importance of Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Forest, VA (January 23, 2008) – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is pleased to announce that it has been included as one of fourteen sites on a new United States World Heritage Tentative List by the Department of Interior. Poplar Forest will now be eligible to be considered for nomination by the United States to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which recognizes the most significant cultural and natural treasures on the planet.

Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, and the Virginia State Capitol have been proposed together as part of a Jefferson-themed listing already on the World Heritage List, which includes Monticello and the University of Virginia. As part of the Tentative List, Poplar Forest will now be considered over the next 10 years for formal nomination as a World Heritage Site.

The World Heritage List is an exclusive listing of the world’s most important cultural and natural sites, such as Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Taj Mahal. Only twenty sites are in the United States, including the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and Grand Canyon National Park.

“This is a distinction that will propel the rescue and restoration of Poplar Forest to the international stage,” said Lynn Beebe, president of Poplar Forest. “Thomas Jefferson’s ideas and writings have deeply affected the United States and the world. We are so pleased to have completed the first step to be formally recognized as an American treasure of global significance.”

One of only two homes designed for his own use, Poplar Forest was an important part of Thomas Jefferson’s life: a private retreat situated far from public scrutiny and the demands on his time. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest regularly in his retirement, between the ages of 66-80, to find rest and leisure, rekindle his creativity and spend time with his grandchildren. He designed the perfectly octagonal house at Poplar Forest during his second term as President of the United States.

Since 1983, the nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest has worked to rescue and restore Thomas Jefferson's plantation and retreat home for the educational and cultural benefit of the public.

More information, including a list of all tentative sites, is available from the Department of Interior at http://www.doi.gov/news/08_News_Releases/080122a.html.

About Poplar Forest

Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home and a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours, special events, and school outreach programs. Poplar Forest is currently closed to the public. 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.


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PDF format Printer friendly format	Poplar Forest Included on World Heritage Nomination List Recognition Signifies Global Importance of Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Forest, VA (January 23, 2008) – Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is pleased to announce that it has been included as one of fourteen sites on a new United States World Heritage Tentative List by the Department of Interior. Poplar Forest will now be eligible to be considered for nomination by the United States to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which recognizes the most significant cultural and natural treasures on the planet. Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat home, and the Virginia State Capitol have been proposed together as part of a Jefferson-themed listing already on the World Heritage List, which includes Monticello and the University of Virginia. As part of the Tentative List, Poplar Forest will now be considered over the next 10 years for formal nomination as a World Heritage Site. The World Heritage List is an exclusive listing of the world’s most important cultural and natural sites, such as Stonehenge, Machu Picchu, the Acropolis of Athens, and the Taj Mahal. Only twenty sites are in the United States, including the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and Grand Canyon National Park. “This is a distinction that will propel the rescue and restoration of Poplar Forest to the international stage,” said Lynn Beebe, president of Poplar Forest. “Thomas Jefferson’s ideas and writings have deeply affected the United States and the world. We are so pleased to have completed the first step to be formally recognized as an American treasure of global significance.” One of only two homes designed for his own use, Poplar Forest was an important part of Thomas Jefferson’s life: a private retreat situated far from public scrutiny and the demands on his time. Jefferson sojourned to Poplar Forest regularly in his retirement, between the ages of 66-80, to find rest and leisure, rekindle his creativity and spend time with his grandchildren. He designed the perfectly octagonal house at Poplar Forest during his second term as President of the United States. Since 1983, the nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson's Poplar Forest has worked to rescue and restore Thomas Jefferson's plantation and retreat home for the educational and cultural benefit of the public. More information, including a list of all tentative sites, is available from the Department of Interior at http://www.doi.gov/news/08_News_Releases/080122a.html. About Poplar Forest Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home and a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours, special events, and school outreach programs. Poplar Forest is currently closed to the public. 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.