“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Those words, written by Thomas Jefferson, are among the most subversive and revolutionary ever written. Jefferson himself considered authorship of the Declaration of Independence one of his three greatest achievements–the other two being the author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom and father of the University of Virginia. We know this because these are the achievements on his gravestone…that he wrote.
Jefferson was arguably one of the most accomplished Americans to have ever lived. Five decades of public service included serving as president of the new United States, vice president, secretary of state, diplomatic minister, congressman, governor of Virginia and still others. He was a lawyer, architect, writer, farmer, gentleman and scientist. Jefferson was also a man of contradictions: He was a champion of freedom and democracy while also owning slaves.
In this special event, historian and Jefferson Hour creator Clay Jenkinson channels Thomas Jefferson for an hour, delivering a stirring performance before answering audience questions. Wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
