James Madison's Montpelier We the People Spring 2014 | Page 14

We The People

calendar of events

14

new in-depth tours
To enhance the Montpelier experience and offer visitors more in-depth tour options, The Montpelier Foundation is
offering three new special tours. These thematic tours will be offered daily and include visits to the mansion, as well as
to less traveled locations such as mansion cellars, Mr. Madison’s Temple, and Montpelier’s special collection galleries.

madison and the
constitution
Freedom, democracy, and the ideas
that inspired a nation and changed
the world come alive in this tour
featuring the life and career of James
Madison, Father of the Constitution,
as well as the political philosophies
and debates embodied in the
U.S. Constitution. Gain a deeper
understanding and appreciation for
the “spirit” not just the “letter” of
America’s greatest document.

Slavery at
Montpelier

The Women of
Montpelier

Long considered a taboo subject,
slavery is a great paradox of America,
a slave-holding nation that declared
to the world that “all men are
created equal.” Learn about the
historical establishment of slavery
in America, the enslaved individuals
who lived at Montpelier, and James
Madison’s personal struggles over the
institution itself.

From Montpelier’s first matron
Francis Madison to the dynamic
Dolley and the indomitable Marion
duPont Scott, this tour introduces
the diverse and strong women
women—enslaved and free—who
founded, farmed, managed, and
maintained the Montpelier estate
during the last 300 years while
pushing the boundaries of their
circumscribed lives.

Montpelier’s Signature Tours, providing an overview of the Madisons and life at Montpelier, will continue to be
offered throughout the day. Montpelier also offers private tours to individuals or groups looking for more intimate tour
experiences. For more information, please call 540-672-2728 ext. 442.