James Madison's Montpelier

06/19/2026

National Juneteenth Day seeks to bring more enlightenment to the day that African Americans were emancipated from slavery. Montpelier is celebrating this milestone toward a More Perfect Union in our nations history with special tours including our Journey from Slavery to Freedom Tour.

Explore the African American transition from slavery to freedom. Visit sites and original structures that bring to life the generations of enslaved individuals who lived at Montpelier, and learn how citizenship in America evolved through Emancipation, Reconstruction, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement. This walking and driving tour will visit historic sites near the mansion as well as the Gilmore Cabin and the 1910 Train Depot.

Free with purchase of a House Tour or Property Pass
Photo by JD Thomas

06/18/2026

There are 4,400 words in the United States Constitution.

These 4,400 words make up the values that our country was founded on. Though James Madison is largely considered the Father of the Constitution, Madison remarks that it was the work of many minds and many hands. This collaborative effort has left a legacy 250 years in the making.

Through tours of the historic mansion with Madisonian artifacts and engaging educational events, Montpelier embraces his most powerful idea: government by the people. Here, you are invited to participate in civic conversations as one of Madison's esteemed guests.
More info at Montpelier.org

06/17/2026

A BIG thanks to Ben Sheehan for dropping in on this episode of Consider the Constitution.

What does the Constitution actually say — and why haven't most of us read it? Ben Sheehan, bestselling author and award-winning digital creator, joins host Dr. Katie Crawford Lackey to talk about the civic knowledge gap and how he used his background in comedy to make one of the most important documents in American history genuinely readable.

Listen on Spotify, ApplePodcast, and BuzzSprout

06/17/2026

Why does James Madison matter today?

The questions James Madison faced are the questions Americans still face today. Debates about the federal government, individual liberty, and the balance of power are not new; they are the same challenges Madison worked to solve from the very beginning.

His influence continues to shape how the United States operates today, from the structure of government to the rights people rely on every day.

06/16/2026

At James Madison’s Montpelier, we are entering an exciting new chapter, one that places Madison’s political thought and the Constitution at the heart of our mission.

Because of YOUR support, this has been a remarkable year. We have more than doubled our programming, welcomed record attendance for We the Kids Day, launched the James Madison Fellows Program and Salon 1776 series, revived We the People magazine, and produced 65 episodes of our podcast, Consider the Constitution. We also secured more than $1 million in grant funding, including support for the restoration of the Madison Temple.

To continue this important work, we hope you will consider making a year-end gift. Your support helps ensure that Montpelier remains a national leader in constitutional education and a place where history inspires civic understanding for generations to come.
https://buff.ly/MjpVDPl

06/15/2026

Have an artist in the family?

We're inviting young Picasso's to We the Kids Wednesday June 24th at James Madison's Montpelier! After exploring, families will have the chance to create their own work of art inspired by Montpelier to take home!

Register at https://buff.ly/qfEWcem
Registration closing June 17th

06/14/2026

The Father of the Constitution initially did NOT want a Bill of Rights!

James Madison thought that a list of explicit rights might exclude some implied rights. Do you think the Bill of Rights was necessary? What amendments would YOU add to the Bill of Rights?

06/13/2026

These Stamps were 250 years in the making!

Next time you're out picking up stamps, consider these new "Figures of the American Revolution" stamps including your favorite president - James Madison!

Read more at https://buff.ly/Yv1wGcO

06/12/2026

Standing in the Room Where it Happend

Good Morning Washington recently visited James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, Virginia, to step inside the very room where the blueprint of American democracy

06/12/2026

The Virginia Declaration of Rights was adopted 250 years ago TODAY!

Written primarily by George Mason, this document served as major inspiration for the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights proclaiming the inherit natural rights of man.