Founding Footprints

Monticello, the estate of Thomas Jefferson, is a World Heritage Site, but it is also a significant site of local history in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. We spoke with historian Jane Kamensky, President and CEO of Monticello, about how to understand the site, how the museum encourages civic engagement, and the significance of the 1776–2026 anniversary. Learn more about visiting Monticello...

Episode Notes Food is one of the most accessible (and delightful) ways we gain insight into a culture. In this episode, we speak with Leni Sorenson, a culinary historian and farmer, whose emphasis on Black cooks and rural life ways helps frame our conceptions of food in Virginia. You can keep up with Leni Sorenson on her website: https://www.indigohouse.us/ And learn more about the region's histor...

Episode Notes Apple cultivation has a deep history that intertwines with the European settlement of North America. In this episode of Founding Footprints, we learn about apple trees and hard cider from Charlotte Shelton, one of the owners of Albemarle Ciderworks.  You can find more information about Albemarle Ciderworks on their website: https://www.albemarleciderworks.com/ And even more about the...

Episode Notes Today, Virginia Wine is gaining international recognition. While Thomas Jefferson dreamed of making. rather than importing, his own wine, it would take centuries for that cultivation to become reliably successful. In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Luca Paschina, the General Manager and Winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards. You can find more information about Barbo...

Episode Notes Tucked just a half mile from Monticello is a Southern dining experience unlike any other. In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Greg MacDonald, the Executive Director of the historic Michie Tavern. You can find more information about Michie Tavern on their website: https://www.michietavern.com/ And even more about the region's historic offerings through the travel iti...

Episode Notes While the nation turns 250 years old, the Jefferson School will celebrate 100 years since its founding. In this episode, we speak with Executive Director Dr. Andrea Douglas about the history of Black education in Charlottesville.  You can find more information about the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on their website: https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/ And even...

Episode Notes Looking for a unique retreat with federal style? In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Pam and William Calary, the owners and innkeepers of the historic Hollymead House. You can find more information about Hollymead House on their website: https://www.hollymeadhouse.com/ And even more about the region's historic offerings through the travel itineraries at https://www....

Episode Notes There's no doubt Albemarle and Charlottesville have rich histories - but where can you find the information you need? In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Olivia Brown, Executive Director of the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society about how they can help.  You can find more information about the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society on their website:...

Episode Notes Four of the first five presidents of the United States were from Virginia, and two of them - Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe - spent significant time in Albemarle County. In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Sara Bon-Harper, the Executive Director of James Monroe's Highland, to discuss current interpretations of Monroe’s career and experiences on the land.  You can...

Episode Notes Tobacco and other agricultural goods were essential to the development of the Piedmont region's economy and way of life. Getting those products to market, however, was no small feat. In this episode of Founding Footprints, we speak with Will Smith and Will Cash of the James River Batteau Company about the unique, flat-bottomed boats that revolutionized trade on the James River in the...