Travel with the Museum
Learn more about exclusive travel opportunities for Revolution Society Fellows and George Washington Council members.
Thomas Jefferson’s World and "The Declaration’s Journey"
Wednesday, September 24 – Friday, September 26, 2025
Revolution Society Fellows and George Washington Council members joined Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson for an immersive extended overnight trip to meet the Declaration of Independence’s primary author Thomas Jefferson in the context of his home at Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. With scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our tour included a Jeffersonian Dinner on Montalto and behind-the-scenes access to experts on archaeology, architecture, wine, and more! Our group discovered Jefferson’s world, his vision for learning at The University of Virginia, and his complex legacy in shaping the United States—marking the 250th anniversary and inspiring the Museum’s new special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey.
Our trip highlights included:
Day 1
• A two- or optional three-night stay at The Boar’s Head Resort in Charlottesville, Virginia
• An afternoon to learn from librarians and historians at University of Virginia, who highlighted manuscripts in the archives at the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library and joined our group for conversation at Rare Book School
• A private outdoor walking tour of Jefferson’s visionary design for learning at University of Virginia, showcasing architectural research at the Academical Village and newly renovated Rotunda, the original university library
• A welcoming Jeffersonian Dinner at Montalto, hosted by Thomas Jefferson himself (as interpreted by Bill Barker), with a stunning view overlooking Monticello, featuring wines from Jefferson Vineyards produced in honor of the historical collaboration between Jefferson and Italian viticulturalist Phillip Mazzei
Day 2
• Private day of guided tours at Monticello led by Thomas Jefferson Foundation experts to highlight recent archaeological discoveries and interpretation of main house and third-floor “sky-room”
• A catered luncheon at The Jefferson Library hosted by Susan Stein, Senior Curator, Special Projects, with a featured talk on Uriah Phillips Levy, who led Monticello’s preservation and whose grandfather’s 1776 letter will be on view in The Declaration’s Journey
• A behind-the-scenes first look at the Foundation’s 250th planning at the David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center
• An exclusive invitation to a private historic home and gardens
• Farewell dinner at The Clifton, originally constructed in 1799 for Jefferson’s daughter and her family, and now an award-winning inn and culinary destination led by a Michelin-starred chef
• Participants had the option to extend their stay to include Tuesday night, Sept. 23 or both Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 26 and Sept. 27
About the Museum's Travel Program
Travel with Museum experts and fellow supporters at the leadership level to see the sights where the Revolutionary generation witnessed and sparked America’s experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government, and discover the relevance of these historic people and places today.
Participants will enjoy guided excursions and themed tours with behind-the-scenes access to historic sites, battlefields, special collections and more, with opportunities to engage with featured guests at each destination along the way! Explore the compelling stories of the American Revolution in the scenes and settings that Revolutionaries knew best. Exclusive experiences are personalized for each travel program, curated by Museum staff to include time to enjoy thought-provoking conversation and local hospitality. These small group travel tours are appropriate for adult learners of all ages and backgrounds.
Participants must have an active Revolution Society or George Washington Council membership at the $2,500 level or higher to be eligible to register for each trip. A detailed itinerary will be provided to those registered to attend closer to the date of travel.
For more information about membership or the Museum’s travel program, please contact Leadership Giving Manager Jane Hayden at [email protected] or 267.579.3364.