James Madison's Montpelier

HOORAY!!!!!! :)

Historic forensics like this are worthy of their own TV investigation series, if it would mean an increased interest in historical things . . .

yes, I agree John. The American History is so full of wonderful things that are not taught to us in school. The only way to really dig into our Founding Father's past is to visit where they live and worked. Montpelier is such a wonderful and beautiful place. I find things like this facinating!

Thanks for your interest! Please stay tuned to the blog. We're going to have a lot more forensic information to share as Montpelier's "Presidential Detective Story: Rediscovering the Furnishings of James and Dolley Madison" unfolds!

What a great idea! Fantastic!

too bad I won't be in town for this!

Tell your Mom that Dolley is painted wearing low cut dresses because that is what she often wore. She preferred this French empire style, and, like many women, chose to emphasize her positives and downplay her negatives. She also liked to wear turbans with large feathers in them during formal events, and decorated with bright colors—red and yellow. She was well-known as a vibrant, gracious, and social hostess.

Very interesting.

In 2008 Montpelier celebrated the completion of a $25 million restoration—returning the mansion to the home that James and Dolley Madison knew and loved. Montpelier is now embarking on the "Presidential Detective Story" to discover the interior furnishings and decor. You can still find the restoration photos on our blog at montpelier.org/blog.

Thanks. I will be sure to look.

I don't think we have any trail running events planned as yet, but we host an exceptional Big Woods Walk four times a year. Check out http://www.montpelier.org/visit/tours/thematic_quarterly.php to learn more about the walk!

We can't attach any specific events to the trail, however, the land that makes up the trail has been part of the estate since James Madison's grandfather Ambrose was deeded the area that would eventually become Mount Pleasant and later, Montpelier.

We aren't entirely sure why the name was chosen, but it's a good bet that it was intended to indicate a pleasant, healthful place with "a salubrious air"--possibly a reference to the town of Montpellier in the south of France. (And the Madisons did spell the name of their plantation with two "L"s.)

Lots more info here:
http://www.montpelier.org/explore/estate/montpelier_etymology.php

These digs sound so intriguing. I'd love to have a chance to do it.

And we'd love to have you! Check out the 2010 Archaeology Expedition and Excursion dates here:

http://www.montpelier.org/explore/archaeology/excavation_programs.php

My husband did a summer expedition at Montpelier and LOVED it. Ask us any questions about his first-hand experience...