James Madison’s MontpelierJames Madison, Father of the Constitution, architect of the Bill of Rights, and President of the United States, conceived of the foundations of American democracy at Montpelier, his lifelong home. It is still a place to engage in exciting activities, restore body and mind, and envision great things. 

Expert craftsmen and artisans from across the country have gathered in Orange, Virginia to meticulously restore the home James and Dolley Madison created and loved. Visit Montpelier this year for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the historic mansion emerge from the past as they use authentic materials and methods to peel back the layers of history.

 The new Visitor Center features a beautiful gift shop, café and picnic areas, and stunning recreations of rooms from the duPont family’s ownership of Montpelier. Dolley Madison’s engagement ring, James Madison’s brace of pistols, and a letter from George Washington are among the “Treasures of Montpelier” currently on view in the Grills Gallery.  

Kids and adults alike enjoy trying their hand at making a brick or sawing a log in the Hands-On Restoration Tent. Visitors may stroll the formal garden, hike old-growth forest trails, reflect in the Madison family and slave cemeteries, and explore the Gilmore Cabin: a Freedman’s Farm, and the Civil War encampment sites. Horse lovers will enjoy the steeplechase and flat racing tracks, as well as the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. There’s always something new at Montpelier! Tours are offered daily. See www.montpelier.org  for more information.