CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello will present Pen to Paper: The Civic Gospel of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday, May 2, 2026, on Monticello’s West Lawn. The program commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and is presented in partnership with Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the Commonwealth’s official commission charged with leading Virginia’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
As part of VA250’s statewide initiative, America. Made in Virginia., the event underscores Virginia’s foundational role in the creation of the United States and the enduring global influence of the Declaration of Independence—drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776—on democratic movements around the world.
Pen to Paper will bring together voices from across American public life for an immersive program of conversation, music, and poetry exploring the language, legacy, and continuing relevance of the Declaration. The event invites visitors and community members to engage with the document not only as a historic text, but as a living statement of the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government that continue to shape civic life.
“Pen to Paper will explore both the historical significance and the continuing promise of the Declaration of Independence as a catalyst for civic renewal,” said Dr. Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. “As we commemorate 250 years since its drafting, we are honored to host a gathering that encourages thoughtful dialogue, artistic interpretation, and community engagement around one of the most consequential documents in human history.”
“The Declaration of Independence is not only a defining American document—it is a statement of enduring ideals,” said Carly Fiorina, Honorary Chair of VA250. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, Virginia has a unique responsibility to lead in telling the full story of our founding—its aspirations, its contradictions, and its continuing call to civic engagement. Through events like Pen to Paper, we invite citizens to reflect on the ideas that were made in Virginia and continue to shape the nation.”
The afternoon program will feature a shared reading of the Declaration of Independence, remarks from Dr. Kamensky, Fiorina, and Ted Gioia, Program & Development Director of Arion Press, and musical performances by acclaimed Virginia musician Horace Scruggs. A poetry reading by former Virginia Poet Laureate Tim Seibles will also be included.
The event marks the launch of DECLARE: A Civic Gospel, a collaboration between Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Arion Press of San Francisco that centers the Declaration’s text and legacy in creative and interpretive expression. Declare: A Civic Gospel will be available as a trade paperback in May 2026. A fine press edition of the book, limited to 250 copies and with accompanying artwork, can be pre-ordered through the Arion Press website. A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Kamensky will feature Maggie Blackhawk (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe), professor at NYU and prize-winning scholar; Dr. Andrew Davenport, Monticello’s Vice President of Research; Chipp Kidd, graphic designer and writer; George Packer, staff writer for The Atlantic and novelist; and Tré Seals, founder of Vocal Type. Together, participants will explore the Declaration’s language and its evolving and contested meanings 250 years after its adoption.
Following Pen to Paper, Monticello will present a performance of Howard Ginsberg’s original play Jefferson and Adams, dramatizing the remarkable 52-year friendship and rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The production features veteran actor-interpreter Bill Barker as Jefferson; Sam Goodyear as Adams; and Abigail Schumann as Abigail Adams.
Pen to Paper has been designated a VA250 Signature Event and is part of a series of commemorative programs taking place across the Commonwealth leading up to July 4, 2026. Under the banner America. Made in Virginia., VA250’s Signature Events highlight Virginia’s central role in the nation’s founding and foster meaningful civic dialogue about the ideals first articulated in the Declaration of Independence and their relevance today.
About Thomas Jefferson’s 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.
About Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission
Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) was established by the General Assembly to be the official organizing body to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Its mission is to educate Americans about our history, founding ideals, and system of government; engage with communities to tell a complete story; and inspire people to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship. Join us in our effort to form a “more perfect union” in the place that made it possible. Learn more at VA250.org.