Mr. Jefferson at Home: Monticello and Poplar Forest

Thomas Jefferson--statesman, writer, farmer, gardener and architect--fascinates people. His two homes, Monticello and his lesser-known country retreat, Poplar Forest, reveal his character. This short course will look at these two estates, as well as take a brief look at his childhood homes, Shadwell and Tuckahoe and his design influences as expressed in the Virginia State House and the grounds of the University of Virginia.

Susan McGough has an M.A. in American Studies and studied the history of American architecture. While at the University of Virginia, she staffed a course on Monticello, participated in a dig at Poplar Forest and toured Monticello with visitors more times that she could count. She continues reading about Mr. Jefferson, McGough is an OLLI@SJSU member and volunteers her time to teach this class.