Join the conversation on May 3, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. for an engaging evening of historical theater as President Thomas Jefferson invites his own White House hostess, the charming and delightful Dolley Madison, to his Poplar Forest retreat home.
The 9th annual Evening of Conversation with Mr. Jefferson marks the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s final year as President of the United States. Mrs. Madison and Mr. Jefferson will converse on topics from the presidency, to Washington City society, to the “great little Madison.” As always, the audience is invited to participate, posing questions for Mr. Jefferson and Mrs. Madison!
As a widower, President Thomas Jefferson often called on Dolley Madison to serve as the unofficial first lady for White House functions. The ceremonial and political functions she hosted were a pragmatically significant part of conducting business in the new capital.
Dolley Madison, with her husband James, was a constant fixture in Jefferson’s life as President. Her social graces made her famous but her political acumen is less renowned. She knew every President personally, from George Washington to Zachary Taylor. Upon her death at age 81, Taylor eulogized her as the “first lady of the land for half a century.”
Dolley will share her thoughts on her husband’s long friendship with Jefferson and her own successful fundraising endeavors, including bringing together Washington society to support the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Bill Barker has portrayed Thomas Jefferson for more than twenty years, headquartered at Colonial Williamsburg but appearing in diverse locations including The White House and the Palace of Versailles. He has performed in programs aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, CNN, The History Channel, and C-SPAN. For his portrayal of Mr. Jefferson, Bill Barker has received awards and commendations from the Hellenic Ideas Foundation, the Jefferson Legacy Foundation and the cities of Philadelphia, St. Louis, and New Orleans.
Joining Mr. Barker in this year’s Evening of Conversation will be Lauren Leigh. Miss Leigh, a living history interpreter since 1990, is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
The Evening of Conversation begins with a wine reception on the lawn starting at 7 p.m. From 7 to 7:45 p.m. Jefferson’s octagonal house will be open, with hosts available to answer questions about its history and restoration. The program will begin at 8 p.m.
Advance tickets are strongly recommended and may be purchased through Friday, May 2nd by calling Poplar Forest’s Museum Shop at (434) 534-8120. Advance tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for youths. Depending on ticket availability by the day of the performance, tickets may be purchased at the door at $28 for adults and $14 for youths.
For more information about the Evening of Conversation, please call (434) 534-8108.
About Poplar Forest:
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson's secluded plantation and retreat home, now a National Historic Landmark. Undergoing award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours and special events. Poplar Forest is open Wednesday through Monday, April through November; except Thanksgiving Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for house tours is $9, adults; $7.50, seniors; $8 active military; $1, youth, ages 6-16; free, children under the age of 6. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org for additional information.