Community News: Poplar Forest celebrates Thomas Jefferson’s 265th birthday April 13th

News Release
Published: April 9, 2008

Read the news release below

Forest, VA – Poplar Forest will celebrate Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on Sunday, April 13th with special events throughout the day. Birthday cake will be served!

The Léya String Quartet, 2:30 p.m.

“Music…is the favorite passion of my soul,” wrote Thomas Jefferson in 1778. Celebrate Jefferson’s birthday in a Jeffersonian manner with a Sunday afternoon chamber music concert. Formed in Montréal in September of 2005, the Léya Quartet brings together young musicians from various cultural backgrounds – Canada, Russia, Poland, and the United States. The group will perform pieces by Franz Joseph Haydn, Beethoven, and Claude Debussy.

Tickets are available by calling (434) 534-8120. Tickets purchased in advance are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth. Admission includes a wine and cheese reception at intermission. The concert will be given in memory of Allen E. Womack, a former member of Poplar Forest’s Board of Directors and lifelong supporter of history and the arts.

The American Chestnut Foundation, 12:30 p.m.

Kathy Marmet, Vice President for Education for the Virginia Chapter of TACF will present “American Chestnut Restoration in Virginia: Returning a Giant to our Forests.” Her presentation will be followed by a ceremonial planting of American chestnut trees on Poplar Forest grounds with remarks by Jay Mills, Vice Chairman for Development of The American Chestnut Foundation.

Visiting Artist in the Museum Shop, All day

Gene Villiva will be in the Poplar Forest Museum Shop on Sunday, April 13th to sign ornaments in his “Thomas Jefferson Architect” series. The four medallions in the “Thomas Jefferson Architect” series are constructed of brass and depict Poplar Forest, the Rotunda at the University of Virginia, the Virginia State Capitol and Monticello. and weigh 0.9 ounce. Eugenio LLC is a home based business in Burke, Virginia specializing in architectural relief medallions.

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. Call (434) 525-1806 or visit http://www.poplarforest.org for additional information.