Declaration of Independence Display

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Jefferson’s Curiosities: Hearth Cooking (Rachel Deddens)

In this session, join Rachel Deddens, author of Cooking at the Hearth, as she discusses Eliza Smith’s historic 1753 cookbook, as well as “Bill of Fare” which highlights Thomas Jefferson’s love of peas, ham, French cuisine and more. Learn about the three-burner stove con......More

In this session, join Rachel Deddens, author of Cooking at the Hearth, as she discusses Eliza Smith’s historic 1753 cookbook, as well as “Bill of Fare” which highlights Thomas Jefferson’s love of peas, ham, French cuisine and more. Learn about the three-burner stove constructed at Poplar Forest’s wing of offices and the traditional methods once used for cooking there. About the Series: Thomas Jefferson was a man of many varied interests. Join us at Jefferson’s “best dwelling house in the state” as we delve into topics he found particularly fascinating from travel to culinary, leadership to religion. Each talk in the series includes a wine and cheese reception following the presentation. Tickets are $25/each or $100 for all five Curiosities Series talks Other 2026 Jefferson’s Curiosities Series Events: Jefferson’s Travels through the Germanies (Travis McDonald): February 19, 2026 6:30 p.m.What Made Jefferson a Great Leader? (Dr. John Ragosta): March 26, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson and Trist’s Wild Mississippi Scheme (Karen Chase): May 7, 2026 6:30 p.m.Jefferson & Religion (Nathan Taylor): September 24, 2026 6:30 p.m.*Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Public Archaeology Day

Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave Dwelling with our staff – gloves provided. Not a fan of dirt? Visitors can also wash artifacts and learn about the history ......More

Join Poplar Forest’s Department of Archaeology and Landscapes for a day of discovery and community! Dig and screen for artifacts at the 1857 Slave Dwelling with our staff – gloves provided. Not a fan of dirt? Visitors can also wash artifacts and learn about the history of the dwelling and the people who lived there from our archaeologists. This event is open to the whole community. Public Archaeology Day is included with regular admission, which can be purchased in advance here. Admission to the property includes either a docent-guided or self-guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat home, access to exhibits in the lower level and wing of offices of the villa retreat, and outdoor exhibits throughout the property.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

1776 The Musical

Revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. View t......More

Revel in the revolutionary spirit of America’s Founding Fathers at Poplar Forest’s presentation of 1776—the Tony Award-winning comedy by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence. View these events through the eyes of Ben (Franklin), Richard Henry (Lee), John (Adams) and Tom (Jefferson). Celebrate their contributions to our country’s history. Bring a chair or blanket, a picnic dinner (no outside alcoholic beverages allowed. Wine, beer and cider will be available for sale on site), and friends and family for an evening of theatre under the stars. Rain date is June 28. $20.00/Adults (18+), $15/College and Youth (6-17), $5/under 6. Performances run from 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm each night. *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason. Event Tickets DO NOT include admission to the property during daytime hours. To tour the house and grounds between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., you must purchase a regular tour ticket here. 

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States

Independence Day Celebration

Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County retreat, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colon......More

Thomas Jefferson held July 4th as “the only birthday I ever commemorate…” Bring your family and friends out to Poplar Forest, his Bedford County retreat, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in historic style. Enjoy colonial-style entertainment, demonstrations by colonial artisans and craftspeople, archaeological displays, old-fashioned children’s activities, a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:30 p.m. and more! Tickets are $15/person ages 16+, under 16 are free. House Tours available for a reduced rate of $10 ages 18+, $7/ages 6-17, and free under 6. House Tour tickets are available day-of only on a first come, first served basis.  *Please note, there are no refunds for event tickets for any reason.

Poplar Forest, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA, 24502, United States