Loading ...Poplar Forest will host author Martin Clagett on Saturday, May 8, 2010. Mr. Clagett will greet visitors and sign copies of his latest book, Scientific Jefferson: Revealed, in the Poplar Forest Museum Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jefferson, who is known as politician and architect, was also a brilliant scientist. Scientific Jefferson: Revealed explores how science shaped Thomas Jefferson’s views on politics, religion, economics, and social developments in America. The first of all sciences for Jefferson was agriculture, to which he was attached “by inclination as well as by conviction that it is the most useful of occupations of man.” He introduced new and useful plants and livestock into America and advocated the study and practice of agriculture as a science. Jefferson also developed the scientific method of stratification, which is the foundation of modern archaeological techniques. Clagett also describes Jefferson’s work with anthropology, ethnology, linguistics, paleontology, and medicine.
Mr. Clagett is an Omohundro Scholar in Residence at the College of William and Mary. In 2007-2008 he was the Gilder-Lehrman Fellow at the International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello, and also a guest lecturer at the University of Virginia.
Scientific Jefferson: Revealed features color illustrations, charts, and documents that exhibit Thomas Jefferson’s scientific curiosity and accomplishments.
You’re invited! Don’t miss these other events at Poplar Forest in May:
Book Signing by Rob McDonald | May 15
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Photographer Rob McDonald will be in the Museum Shop signing copies of his new publication, Poplar Forest.
Architectural Restoration Talk and Tour | May 15
11:00 am and 2:00 p.m. Guided tour of Jefferson’s retreat with Director of Architectural Restoration, Travis McDonald. Followed by slide lecture. Free with regular admission charge. Reservations recommended by calling the Museum Shop (434) 534-8120.
About Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded plantation and retreat home. Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark that was recently added to the U.S. nomination list to become a World Heritage Site. Exhibiting award-winning restoration and archaeology, Poplar Forest offers tours, special events and school outreach programs. Open April through November, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays (closed) and Thanksgiving Day (holiday). For more information about Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, call (434) 525-1806 or visit www.poplarforest.org.
