James Madison's Montpelier
Year-Round Events
James Madison's Montpelier hosts a variety of popular events, including educational day camps, reenactments, and scenic walks. Learn More
The Scenic Landscape
Montpelier has nearly 2,700 acres of rolling pastures, lawns, gardens, and woods in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. (Photo by Ron Blunt) Learn More
Montpelier, a National Trust Historic Site
Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, fourth President of the United States, and genius of the American Republic. Learn More
Honoring Women: Montpelier
Home of Dolley Madison who was known for her ground-breaking and elegant hospitality. She was the first to serve ice cream in the White House during the Jefferson administration and initiated the Easter Egg Roll on the Capital Lawn. Dolley Madison was present when workers laid the corner stone for the Washington Monument and it was she who sent the first personal telegraph message. At her funeral in 1849, Zachory Taylor used the phrase "First Lady" to describe Dolley Madison, a term now used to describe the president's wife.
"Notwithstanding a thousand faults and blunders,
[Madison's] administration has acquired more glory, and established more union,
than all his three Predecessors, Washington, Adams, and Jefferson, put together."
John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, 1817
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison, Father of the Constitution, fourth President of the United States, and genius of the American Republic. Madison's early life in Virginia nurtured his commitment to religious freedom and his patriotic vision for a democratic nation. Montpelier also became home to Dolley Madison, whose graciousness and hospitality inspired the term "First Lady".
James Madison's Montpelier is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and operated by the Montpelier Foundation, Inc.
Get Connected
Montpelier Restoration Updates Blog
We’ve Moved!
The Montpelier Curatorial and Restoration Blog has combined with the other Montpelier blogs into one fantastic source! Come read all of the blogs – on archaeology, forestry, gardens, slavery, restoration and more – at the new site. If you only want to see what Curatorial is up to, you can visit our section of the new blog.
This blog [...]
Investigations in the Drawing Room
In the Drawing Room
Last week, Susan Buck, Architectural Finishes Conservator, visited Montpelier to continue work on two ongoing projects in the drawing room (M108): the search for curtain hanging evidence and the hunt for clues about the original wallpaper.
The search for evidence of how curtains were displayed:
One Madison era visitor mentioned the windows in the [...]
A Date with White House History
It’s a big deal to go to the White House. But it’s an even bigger deal to go to the White House to honor a family member. Montpelier organized a private White House visit this past Monday for Paul Jennings’ descendants. Jennings, James and Dolley Madison’s former slave, helped Dolley rescue the Gilbert Stuart Landsdowne [...]
Regional Events
Fall Teas,
11/05/09
Leesburg ,
Virginia
Traditional Afternoon Tea
In Praise of Fine Craftsmanship: A Weekend of Traditional Shenandoah Valley Arts and Antiques,
11/07/09
Middletown,
Virginia
A leading center in the production of pottery in the early 19th century, Strasburg, or “Pot Town” was known for its unsurpassed utilitarian and decorative ware produced by the Bell, Keister, Miller, Sonner and other makers.
Antiques Appraisal Fair and Traditional Crafts Days,
11/07/09
Middletown,
Virginia
Have you ever wondered about the value of your heirloom jewelry? Or what about those rare books your great grandparents collected? Bring them and more to Belle Grove’s annual Antiques Appraisal Fair!
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