James Monroe's Highland

09/04/2026

It may be Labor Day weekend but James Monroe didn't get to be Minister to France twice, Governor of Virginia four times, Secretary of State and War, and a two-term president *among other things* by taking breaks 💅Catch him at home all day tomorrow, September 5th, and again later this month ⭐

09/03/2026

One more reason to love Labor Day: $10 admission at Highland!

Make the most of the holiday with a visit to James Monroe’s Highland on Monday, September 7. General admission is just $10 per person, and kids 6 and under are FREE! Come spend your Labor Day discovering history, exploring Highland, and making the most of the long weekend. Purchase tickets at https://highland.org/tickets

08/31/2026

Listen, we've still got four more months before we say goodbye to the 250th and we're gonna make it count! And you know what? Probably nobody would be more excited about the 250th than the subject of this week's collections spotlight, the Marquis de Lafayette.

Throughout his political career, James Monroe consciously evoked the aim and the spirit of the Revolution. Bringing General Marquis de Lafayette back to the United States was one of the instrumental ways that Monroe reminded the public of his own connection to the nation’s founding conflict--and its heroes. From July 1824 to September 1825 Lafayette travelled the country as "The Nation's Guest" to much fanfare. This commemorative transfer-printed platter offers a glimpse at the excitement over this important event in Monroe’s president. On it, you can spy galloping mounted officers, celebratory cannon-fire over the bustling harbor, and a large, waving American flag.

There are many such souvenirs from Lafayette's visit, but this one is particularly special because it was owned by Monroe himself. How would the kids say it? Kinda chic to own a souvenir of an event you made happen? ✌️✌️✌️

08/27/2026

Cooler weather doesn’t mean the garden has to call it quits!

Join us at Highland on 9/19 for another Garden Basics program with the Albemarle-Charlottesville Piedmont Master Gardeners and discover how to keep your garden growing into the fall. Learn what to plant, when to plant it, and how to make the most of the cooler months. Register at https://highland.org/event/cool-weather-crops/.

Come for the gardening tips, stay for the fresh-air fun!

08/26/2026

Tomorrow!!

There's always more to discover about our historic places, and no one knows that better than Highland's Executive Director Sara Bon-Harper! On Thursday, August 27 from 3-4pm, The Center at Belvedere welcomes Dr. Bon-Harper as she shares the arc of new initiatives at the home of 5th U.S. President James Monroe. Be prepared for a historical detective story and compelling images of a remarkable property! 🕵🏾🕵️‍♀️

Sara Bon-Harper, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of James Monroe’s Highland in Albemarle County. Research she initiated at Highland uncovered the archaeological remains of the Monroes’ main house, opening a new chapter of site interpretation grounded in accurate physical history and inclusive narratives co-created with descendant collaborators. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and faculty affiliations at William & Mary.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is requested at the followinghttps://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/142326/19/

08/25/2026

Job alert 🚨🚨🚨

Highland is currently hiring for the position of part-time historic interpreter! Whether you're a college student looking to explore careers in history and museums, or someone who needs to give their friends a break from Wikipedia info-dumps, becoming a Highland interpreter might just be your perfect fit! Channel your encyclopedic tendencies into on-the-job experience in public communication while learning about how museums and historic sites operate. Explore careers in public history through flexible, part-time work. Apply to be a professional yapper today!

Visit our "Jobs" page at https://highland.org/jobs/ to learn more and to access the online application! For questions related to the position, please contact Highland Education Programs Manager Lara Musser at [email protected]

08/20/2026

Make the most of your Labor Day holiday at Highland! Visit James Monroe’s Highland on Monday, September 7, and enjoy special admission pricing—just $10 per person! Kids six and under are free.

Spend your day exploring Highland, learning about history, and enjoying the grounds. Make Highland part of your Labor Day plans! Purchase your tickets at https://highland.org/tickets

08/18/2026

There's always more to discover about our historic places, and no one knows that better than Highland's Executive Director Sara Bon-Harper! On Thursday, August 27 from 3-4pm, The Center at Belvedere welcomes Dr. Bon-Harper as she shares the arc of new initiatives at the home of 5th U.S. President James Monroe. Be prepared for a historical detective story and compelling images of a remarkable property! 🕵🏾🕵️‍♀️

Sara Bon-Harper, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of James Monroe’s Highland in Albemarle County. Research she initiated at Highland uncovered the archaeological remains of the Monroes’ main house, opening a new chapter of site interpretation grounded in accurate physical history and inclusive narratives co-created with descendant collaborators. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and faculty affiliations at William & Mary.

This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited and registration is requested at the followinghttps://thecentercville.org/calendar/event/142326/19/

08/13/2026

Join Highland on September 23 for the final program in our VA250 Book Series, The American Revolution at 250. Editor Frank Cogliano and historians Christa Dierksheide and Nick Guyatt will explore questions raised in the essay collection The American Revolution at 250: Twenty-Four Historians Reflect on the Founding. Visit
https://highland.org/z8dv for more information!

08/12/2026

Love that sneak peek, behind-the-scenes experience? Highland's Private Guided Tours are perfect option for early risers who want a little more space to read every label 👉👈

On these small curated tours, our knowledgeable historic interpreters lead guests through a private viewing of the 1818 Guesthouse, the 1799 Main House archaeological site, and Highland's core exhibition, "A Window to a New America." Independent exploration of Highland's outbuildings and scenic landscape leave you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and be on to your next activity before your friends have finished their second coffee 💅

Private Guided Tours are priced at $150 and accommodate up to 6 people. They begin half an hour before the site opens to the public and are available by reservation only. Interested in a date or time that isn't in our registration system? Email [email protected]. See you soon!