CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic home of the Declaration of Independence’s principal author, today announced Jefferson Remembers the Declaration, a special guided theatrical experience offered exclusively in 2026 to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
This immersive program invites visitors into the Monticello house for a one-hour encounter with Thomas Jefferson as he reflects on the ideas, aspirations, and enduring impact of the Declaration. Guided by Monticello’s expert staff, guests will explore the revolutionary ideals that shaped a new nation, while also considering the complexities and contradictions of Jefferson’s life and legacy.
At the conclusion of each guided experience, visitors will have the opportunity for a photograph with Bill Barker, Monticello’s veteran historical interpreter portraying Thomas Jefferson.
“Jefferson Remembers the Declaration gives our guests a rare chance to step inside a moment of living history, to hear the ideals of 1776 articulated by Jefferson himself, and to reflect on the promise of American democracy in our own time,” said Steve Light, Vice President of Guest Experiences. “This guided experience underscores the power of place and idea, inviting thoughtful engagement with the past as we mark a milestone moment in our nation’s history.”
Jefferson Remembers the Declaration will be offered once daily, Wednesday through Saturday, from March 18 through July 31, 2026. Tickets are available now.
About Bill Barker
Veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker is widely recognized as the nation’s foremost interpreter of Thomas Jefferson. After portraying Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg for 26 years, Barker joined the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello in 2019.
Combining theatrical skill with rigorous scholarship, Barker brings to life the complexities of Jefferson’s vision and character. He has performed as Jefferson at historic sites, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, and the Palace of Versailles, and his portrayals have been featured in national publications such as TIME, People, and Southern Living. Barker also supports Monticello’s educational outreach, representing the Foundation at events and in digital programming that bring Jefferson’s story to audiences nationwide.
Additional images available here.
About The Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation was incorporated in 1923 to preserve Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, in Charlottesville, Virginia. As a civic institution, Monticello seeks to increase knowledge and share the ideals Jefferson articulated in the Declaration of Independence through programming and scholarship built upon a foundation of rigorous research.
Monticello is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, a United Nations World Heritage Site, and a Site of Conscience. As a private, nonprofit organization, Monticello receives no ongoing local, state, or federal funding. Visitors and the generosity of donors make Monticello’s twofold mission of preservation and education possible. For information, visit monticello.org.