James Madison's Montpelier

09/05/2026

Join us for a day-long educational experience September 19th in which you will work side-by-side with heritage blacksmiths, carpenters, leatherworkers, and framers to learn the trades and skills employed by the Montpelier enslaved community. This program is based on extensive documentary and archaeological research into the expertise of skilled Black artisans at Montpelier. Note with registering for the program, you will take part in zoom-based trainings for the days leading up to September 19th. These safety trainings will allow you to take part in the hands-on activities on September 19th.

The September 19th trade festival will be held at Montpelier on Constitution Day, and you will be part of the team as we demonstrate the range of trade expertise of the enslaved at Montpelier to visitors at this all-day trade festival.

Register at https://buff.ly/ZF4Y8D9

09/04/2026

Marion duPont Scott, the last private owner of Montpelier, died at home on this day in 1983, at the age of 89.

A newspaper obituary described her as “a well-known horse breeder and philanthropist,” noting that she was the great-granddaughter of the founder of the DuPont chemical company, Eluthere Irenee duPont. In her will, Mrs. Scott expressed a desire that her heirs would transfer Montpelier to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, so that it could be restored and furnished to the time period of James
Madison. Marion duPont Scott in the original Red Room at Montpelier, by Raymond Woolfe. Courtesy of the Montpelier Archives.

[Yes, there are 3 different spellings of duPont/DuPont/du Pont in this one post! Marion spelled her name with a small d, and the chemical company spells it with a capital D, and neither one has a space between D/du and Pont. But Eluthere did put a space between his “du” and his “Pont.”]

09/04/2026

Join us for Cocktails and Conversation September 26th!

Between 1809 and 1812, this neo-classical open-aired garden folly with its striking red dome supported by white pillars has long stood as one of the most iconic symbols of Montpelier. While Madison never discusses what the structure meant to him or why he chose this design, the specific architectural style of the Temple at Montpelier has deep roots in the iconography of the early American Republic. This talk will discuss how concepts of enlightenment, education, democracy, constitutional government, and most importantly liberty are poetically woven into the fabric of the Temple at Montpelier.

Register at https://buff.ly/x4jebdt

09/03/2026

Know the adjective? 🤔

09/03/2026

Celebrate Constitution Day at James Madison’s Montpelier, Saturday, September 19, 2026 and experience a day of history, discovery, and family fun at the home of the “Father of the Constitution.”

Register at https://buff.ly/1cLQWAA

09/02/2026

Watch the recording of this past weekend's Judge's Panel - Guardians of Democracy: Judicial Independence and the Balance of Power.

Featured participants include Judge John W. Bissell (U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey), Judge Bernice B. Donald (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit), and Judge Paul R. Michel (U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit). This program offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from former federal judges at a moment when questions about the courts are increasingly central to national debate.

https://buff.ly/rCBvQGv

Join members of the Keep Our Republic’s Article III Coalition, a bi...

09/01/2026

Madison believed in an informed and engaged public at the center of our nation's democracy.

The Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution was founded at Montpelier in 2002 as a center for constitutional studies with the purpose of providing seminars to educators, law enforcement, and the general public.

Register for our upcoming educators seminar Oct. 1-3 or listen to the Consider the Constitution podcast on Spotify, ApplePodcast, and BuzzSprout.

08/31/2026

Stop by the Montpelier Gift Shop for books, toys, and snacks!

You can also find our collectable items on our Online Gift Shop at https://buff.ly/5ISZdum

08/30/2026

Happy Birthday to James Madison's Grandmother, Frances Taylor Madison!

Born August 30, 1700, Frances supervised the operations of Mount Pleasant (future Montpelier Plantation) for almost 30 years after the death of her husband in 1732.

08/29/2026

Discover the Stories That Built a Nation!

From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia. Which makes Virginia the ideal place to learn about our nation’s beginnings, no matter what state you call home.

Montpelier stands as a memorial to James Madison and the Enslaved Community, a museum of American history, and a center for constitutional education that engages the public with the enduring legacy of Madison’s most powerful idea: government by the people.

Photo credit: Photo: Kenneth M. Wyner, courtesy of the Montpelier Foundation