James Madison's Montpelier
@jmmontpelier.bsky.social
Exploring the legacy of James Madison, the lives of the Enslaved Community, and the U.S. Constitution.
501(c)3 Nonprofit organization.
https://www.montpelier.org/
501(c)3 Nonprofit organization.
https://www.montpelier.org/
Consider the Constitution Ep 19: The Power of Place: Historic Preservation at James Madison's Montpelier
In this special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the co-stewardship partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Montpelier Foundation, host Dr. Katie
In this special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the co-stewardship partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Montpelier Foundation, host Dr. Katie
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Consider the Constitution Ep 19: The Power of Place: Historic Preservation at James Madison's Montpelier
In this special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the co-stewardship partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Montpelier Foundation, host Dr. Katie
In this special episode commemorating the 25th anniversary of the co-stewardship partnership between the National Trust for Historic Preservation and The Montpelier Foundation, host Dr. Katie
(1/4) It’s #NationalPickleDay! #Pickling was an important food preservation method in the 19th century. Montpelier’s #enslaved gardeners could produce fresh cucumbers and other vegetables and fruits for only a few weeks in the year,
November 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
(1/4) It’s #NationalPickleDay! #Pickling was an important food preservation method in the 19th century. Montpelier’s #enslaved gardeners could produce fresh cucumbers and other vegetables and fruits for only a few weeks in the year,
#OTD 1825, Madison wrote to chastise stepson Payne Todd for a “long & mysterious absence” in Philadelphia, urging “My dear P.” to “Let the worst be known, that the best may be made of it.” Madison promised to pay Todd’s debts, but Todd’s struggles with debt and alcohol continued.
November 13, 2025 at 4:05 PM
#OTD 1825, Madison wrote to chastise stepson Payne Todd for a “long & mysterious absence” in Philadelphia, urging “My dear P.” to “Let the worst be known, that the best may be made of it.” Madison promised to pay Todd’s debts, but Todd’s struggles with debt and alcohol continued.
(1/4) The #VIP visitors are coming!
#OTD in 1835, #DolleyMadison wrote to the Madisons’ friend William Cabell Rives:
“Mr Madison ... will be very happy, as Mrs Madison will be, in the promised visit of the Vice-President, Mr Martini, and himself tomorrow.”
#OTD in 1835, #DolleyMadison wrote to the Madisons’ friend William Cabell Rives:
“Mr Madison ... will be very happy, as Mrs Madison will be, in the promised visit of the Vice-President, Mr Martini, and himself tomorrow.”
November 12, 2025 at 4:07 PM
(1/4) The #VIP visitors are coming!
#OTD in 1835, #DolleyMadison wrote to the Madisons’ friend William Cabell Rives:
“Mr Madison ... will be very happy, as Mrs Madison will be, in the promised visit of the Vice-President, Mr Martini, and himself tomorrow.”
#OTD in 1835, #DolleyMadison wrote to the Madisons’ friend William Cabell Rives:
“Mr Madison ... will be very happy, as Mrs Madison will be, in the promised visit of the Vice-President, Mr Martini, and himself tomorrow.”
#VeteransDay
Honoring the sons of Paul Jennings, Madison’s #enslaved valet, who served in the #CivilWar: John Jennings (5th US Colored Troops), Franklin Jennings (5th Mass. Colored Cavalry), and William Jennings (24th US Colored Troops; flag is shown).
Library of Congress image
Honoring the sons of Paul Jennings, Madison’s #enslaved valet, who served in the #CivilWar: John Jennings (5th US Colored Troops), Franklin Jennings (5th Mass. Colored Cavalry), and William Jennings (24th US Colored Troops; flag is shown).
Library of Congress image
November 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM
#VeteransDay
Honoring the sons of Paul Jennings, Madison’s #enslaved valet, who served in the #CivilWar: John Jennings (5th US Colored Troops), Franklin Jennings (5th Mass. Colored Cavalry), and William Jennings (24th US Colored Troops; flag is shown).
Library of Congress image
Honoring the sons of Paul Jennings, Madison’s #enslaved valet, who served in the #CivilWar: John Jennings (5th US Colored Troops), Franklin Jennings (5th Mass. Colored Cavalry), and William Jennings (24th US Colored Troops; flag is shown).
Library of Congress image
Introducing a NEW guide to exploring Virginia’s remarkable history — the Virginia 250 Passport!
We’re thrilled to join @virginiahistory @visitvirginia @VA250 @colonialwmsburg @jyfmuseums @mount_vernon @tjmonticello and sites across the Commonwealth in this collaborative, statewide initiative to
We’re thrilled to join @virginiahistory @visitvirginia @VA250 @colonialwmsburg @jyfmuseums @mount_vernon @tjmonticello and sites across the Commonwealth in this collaborative, statewide initiative to
November 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Introducing a NEW guide to exploring Virginia’s remarkable history — the Virginia 250 Passport!
We’re thrilled to join @virginiahistory @visitvirginia @VA250 @colonialwmsburg @jyfmuseums @mount_vernon @tjmonticello and sites across the Commonwealth in this collaborative, statewide initiative to
We’re thrilled to join @virginiahistory @visitvirginia @VA250 @colonialwmsburg @jyfmuseums @mount_vernon @tjmonticello and sites across the Commonwealth in this collaborative, statewide initiative to
(1/2) In a 1783 address to the States by Congress, Madison called #RevolutionaryWar #veterans “that illustrious & patriotic band of fellow Citizens, whose blood and whose bravery have defended the liberties of their Country.”
November 11, 2025 at 4:03 PM
(1/2) In a 1783 address to the States by Congress, Madison called #RevolutionaryWar #veterans “that illustrious & patriotic band of fellow Citizens, whose blood and whose bravery have defended the liberties of their Country.”
1/2) #OTD 1791, #JamesMadison made these observations on the #symmetry of #nature: “The planetary system, the greatest portion of the Universe, as yet brought under human observation, is regulated by fixed laws, and presents most demonstrably, a scene of order and proportion. ...
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
1/2) #OTD 1791, #JamesMadison made these observations on the #symmetry of #nature: “The planetary system, the greatest portion of the Universe, as yet brought under human observation, is regulated by fixed laws, and presents most demonstrably, a scene of order and proportion. ...
(1/3) In Nov. 1772, 21 yo #JamesMadison didn’t know what to do with his life. He wrote “I am too dull and infirm now to look out for any extraordinary things in this world, for I think my sensations for many months past have intimated to me not to expect a long or healthy life.”
November 9, 2025 at 4:02 PM
(1/3) In Nov. 1772, 21 yo #JamesMadison didn’t know what to do with his life. He wrote “I am too dull and infirm now to look out for any extraordinary things in this world, for I think my sensations for many months past have intimated to me not to expect a long or healthy life.”
(1/2) #OTD 1790, as #JamesMadison headed to Philadelphia, he left a long list of instructions for his overseers, including directions to "get a plow made by Moses." Learn more about Moses's life and work at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
November 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1790, as #JamesMadison headed to Philadelphia, he left a long list of instructions for his overseers, including directions to "get a plow made by Moses." Learn more about Moses's life and work at #MontpelierNamingProject. www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
Montpelier extends our thoughts and prayers to Dick Cheney's family and friends after their loss. Cheney served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush and visited Montpelier back in 2014.
Photo by Jen Fariello
Photo by Jen Fariello
November 6, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Montpelier extends our thoughts and prayers to Dick Cheney's family and friends after their loss. Cheney served as the 46th vice president of the United States from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush and visited Montpelier back in 2014.
Photo by Jen Fariello
Photo by Jen Fariello
We are BACK!
James Madison's Montpelier's magazine "We the People" has officially returned! Montpelier's flagship publication, We The People, highlights the best of Montpelier's wonderful programs, news, and museum changes. You can have a look and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter,
James Madison's Montpelier's magazine "We the People" has officially returned! Montpelier's flagship publication, We The People, highlights the best of Montpelier's wonderful programs, news, and museum changes. You can have a look and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter,
November 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
We are BACK!
James Madison's Montpelier's magazine "We the People" has officially returned! Montpelier's flagship publication, We The People, highlights the best of Montpelier's wonderful programs, news, and museum changes. You can have a look and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter,
James Madison's Montpelier's magazine "We the People" has officially returned! Montpelier's flagship publication, We The People, highlights the best of Montpelier's wonderful programs, news, and museum changes. You can have a look and share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter,
(1/2) Whether you #voted early or are heading to the polls today, take a moment on #ElectionDay to appreciate the opportunity to make your voice heard. As #JamesMadison wrote in 1824, "The U.S. are now furnishing models & lessons to all the world ...
November 4, 2025 at 4:04 PM
(1/2) Whether you #voted early or are heading to the polls today, take a moment on #ElectionDay to appreciate the opportunity to make your voice heard. As #JamesMadison wrote in 1824, "The U.S. are now furnishing models & lessons to all the world ...
Tomorrow is #ElectionDay! But it’s too late to #vote for #JamesMadison or #JamesMonroe, who faced off in a Congressional election in 1789. Read our post to learn how the election sometimes paralleled–and sometimes diverged from–a typical election today.
The Congressional Election of 1789 - Montpelier
Questionably-drawn voting districts, flip-flops, getting out the vote, and - surprise! - cordiality between the candidates. It's election season, 1789.
www.montpelier.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Tomorrow is #ElectionDay! But it’s too late to #vote for #JamesMadison or #JamesMonroe, who faced off in a Congressional election in 1789. Read our post to learn how the election sometimes paralleled–and sometimes diverged from–a typical election today.
(1/2) #OTD 1787, #JamesMadison's father distributed shoes to 50 #enslaved people, recording their names and shoe sizes on this scrap of paper. The list gives us a tiny insight into the lives of people like Harry Read his story at #MontpelierNamingProject.
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
November 2, 2025 at 4:02 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1787, #JamesMadison's father distributed shoes to 50 #enslaved people, recording their names and shoe sizes on this scrap of paper. The list gives us a tiny insight into the lives of people like Harry Read his story at #MontpelierNamingProject.
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
We ain’t afraid of no #ghosts ... especially not the architectural kind! 👻
Check out our blog post on “Finding 👻 👻 at Montpelier”... IF YOU DARE... www.montpelier.org/finding-ghos...
#HappyHalloween!
Check out our blog post on “Finding 👻 👻 at Montpelier”... IF YOU DARE... www.montpelier.org/finding-ghos...
#HappyHalloween!
October 31, 2025 at 3:06 PM
We ain’t afraid of no #ghosts ... especially not the architectural kind! 👻
Check out our blog post on “Finding 👻 👻 at Montpelier”... IF YOU DARE... www.montpelier.org/finding-ghos...
#HappyHalloween!
Check out our blog post on “Finding 👻 👻 at Montpelier”... IF YOU DARE... www.montpelier.org/finding-ghos...
#HappyHalloween!
(1/2) #OTD 1772 was the wedding of #JamesMadison's brother Francis to Susannah Bell. Gideon was one of 6 enslaved people given by Madison's father to the newlywed couple a few months after their marriage. We know only the barest outlines of Gideon's life.
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
October 29, 2025 at 3:09 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1772 was the wedding of #JamesMadison's brother Francis to Susannah Bell. Gideon was one of 6 enslaved people given by Madison's father to the newlywed couple a few months after their marriage. We know only the barest outlines of Gideon's life.
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
Behind the scenes filming at Montpelier for America the Bountiful!
Dontavius Williams and Capri Cafaro showed us how to make Pepper Pot soup - stew of beef, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The soup was first made in West Africa and the Caribbean before being brought to
Dontavius Williams and Capri Cafaro showed us how to make Pepper Pot soup - stew of beef, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The soup was first made in West Africa and the Caribbean before being brought to
October 28, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Behind the scenes filming at Montpelier for America the Bountiful!
Dontavius Williams and Capri Cafaro showed us how to make Pepper Pot soup - stew of beef, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The soup was first made in West Africa and the Caribbean before being brought to
Dontavius Williams and Capri Cafaro showed us how to make Pepper Pot soup - stew of beef, vegetables, pepper and other seasonings. The soup was first made in West Africa and the Caribbean before being brought to
In keeping up with our silver anniversary we are looking at all The Montpelier Foundation has accomplished in the last 25 years! Today we look at The COVID-19 Pandemic.
In 2020 The Montpelier Foundation adapted to the evolving COVID-19 guidance by temporarily closing to the public, then reopening
In 2020 The Montpelier Foundation adapted to the evolving COVID-19 guidance by temporarily closing to the public, then reopening
October 27, 2025 at 2:06 PM
In keeping up with our silver anniversary we are looking at all The Montpelier Foundation has accomplished in the last 25 years! Today we look at The COVID-19 Pandemic.
In 2020 The Montpelier Foundation adapted to the evolving COVID-19 guidance by temporarily closing to the public, then reopening
In 2020 The Montpelier Foundation adapted to the evolving COVID-19 guidance by temporarily closing to the public, then reopening
(1/3) #JamesMadison & #DolleyMadison were rarely apart during their 4 decades of #marriage, but when they were, their #loveletters conveyed the strength of their connection.
#OTD 1805, when Dolley was in Philadelphia for medical treatment, she wrote to James:
#OTD 1805, when Dolley was in Philadelphia for medical treatment, she wrote to James:
October 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
(1/3) #JamesMadison & #DolleyMadison were rarely apart during their 4 decades of #marriage, but when they were, their #loveletters conveyed the strength of their connection.
#OTD 1805, when Dolley was in Philadelphia for medical treatment, she wrote to James:
#OTD 1805, when Dolley was in Philadelphia for medical treatment, she wrote to James:
(1/3) On #WorldPastaDay, how about some #macandcheese with the Madisons?
Although we usually associate #DolleyMadison with ice cream, Dolley liked #pasta too.
Although we usually associate #DolleyMadison with ice cream, Dolley liked #pasta too.
October 25, 2025 at 3:03 PM
(1/3) On #WorldPastaDay, how about some #macandcheese with the Madisons?
Although we usually associate #DolleyMadison with ice cream, Dolley liked #pasta too.
Although we usually associate #DolleyMadison with ice cream, Dolley liked #pasta too.
(1/2) #OTD 1793 Dolley lost her first husband John Todd Jr. and baby William Temple Todd to #yellowfever as it ravaged #Philadelphia. John Todd’s parents also died in the epidemic. Dolley, who had been ill herself, was now a widow with a 2-yr-old son, John Payne Todd.
October 24, 2025 at 3:08 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1793 Dolley lost her first husband John Todd Jr. and baby William Temple Todd to #yellowfever as it ravaged #Philadelphia. John Todd’s parents also died in the epidemic. Dolley, who had been ill herself, was now a widow with a 2-yr-old son, John Payne Todd.
(1/2) #OTD 1805, #DolleyMadison mentioned #enslaved carriage driver Peter in a letter to her husband. Dolley was in #Philadelphia for medical treatment, and was anxious for Peter to return and tell her that he had driven James safely back to Washington DC. More: www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
October 23, 2025 at 3:07 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1805, #DolleyMadison mentioned #enslaved carriage driver Peter in a letter to her husband. Dolley was in #Philadelphia for medical treatment, and was anxious for Peter to return and tell her that he had driven James safely back to Washington DC. More: www.montpelier.org/the-naming-p...
(1/2) #OTD 1809, a “large and brilliant company” attended a public dinner in Richmond honoring retired President #ThomasJefferson, with a series of 17 formal #toasts. After a toast to “the People of the U. States” and another to “the Union of American States,”
October 21, 2025 at 8:03 PM
(1/2) #OTD 1809, a “large and brilliant company” attended a public dinner in Richmond honoring retired President #ThomasJefferson, with a series of 17 formal #toasts. After a toast to “the People of the U. States” and another to “the Union of American States,”
(1/3) It’s #NationalAppleDay!
#Apples were an important crop at Montpelier. In 1790 James Madison left instructions for enslaved overseer Sawney “To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain.”
#Apples were an important crop at Montpelier. In 1790 James Madison left instructions for enslaved overseer Sawney “To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain.”
October 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM
(1/3) It’s #NationalAppleDay!
#Apples were an important crop at Montpelier. In 1790 James Madison left instructions for enslaved overseer Sawney “To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain.”
#Apples were an important crop at Montpelier. In 1790 James Madison left instructions for enslaved overseer Sawney “To plant about 200 apple Trees either before Christmas or very early in the Spring, in the little field on the top of the Mountain.”