The Jefferson Images at Monticello

A shifting portrayal of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello reflects evolving national memory, increasingly acknowledging his role as both the author of the Declaration of Independence and an enslaver. This study traces how visitors have encountered multiple 'Jefferson images' since the site opened to tourism in the early 19th century, with interpretations now more prominently addressing slavery and his relationship with Sally Hemmings. The research builds on historian Merrill Peterson's concept of a 'Jefferson image,' analyzing how historical narratives at Monticello have adapted over time to incorporate complex, often contradictory aspects of Jefferson's legacy.

Greenfield, E. B. (2026). The Jefferson Images at Monticello. Who Tells Your Story, 43–69. https://doi.org/10.1215/9781478062318-003