Seeing Origin Stories

How have historical narratives about the founding of the United States been used to construct social power?

What freedoms and opportunities were available to your ancestors in the 18th century?

What do you feel when you explore these histories?

Such inquiries (and others too) will guide our weekend together & our journey to Monticello, the Virginia plantation of Thomas Jefferson.

when?

Thursday night to Sunday Morning, September 14-17, 2023

where?

We’ll stay at a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse in Amherst, Virginia. It is about a 4-hour drive from Boone, NC and a little less than a 1 hour drive to Monticello.

what?

Though this trip is just a few days long, we expect the experience will feel quite expansive. Here are the highlights:

  • THURSDAY — We’ll begin gathering around 5pm. After settling in, we’ll dive into conversation and enjoy a spread of summer salads and yummy bites. A stroll to the nearby creek and some restorative yoga will set you up for sweet slumbers.

  • FRIDAY — We’ll rise and shine with an early-morning meditation. By 7:45am, we’ll be on the road to Monticello, where we start things off with a private 3-hour tour. In addition to seeing behind-the-scenes views of 18th century life, our tour will also emphasize the history of interpretive work at Monticello. This focus supports our weekend’s contemplations about the social power of public memory—a dynamic that is especially evident in Monticello’s recent commitments to honestly interpret the history of slavery. (for a PBS video on this, click here)

    Following our 3-hour tour, the afternoon is open for experiences of your choosing. We recommend lunch at Monticello’s farm-table cafe and two additional tours: one about the gardens and grounds, and another focused on the lives of the enslaved individuals who labored and lived here.

    Dinner is one your own—and there are no shortage of delicious options in nearby Charlottesville or back near our farmhouse in Amherst, VA. We’ll then reconvene for evening tea and restorative yoga.

  • SATURDAY — This is our day to stay at the farmhouse!

    After a leisurely morning, we will get moving with yoga practices and reflective activities centered around our experiences at Monticello and explorations of our 18th century ancestors.

    When it comes time for dinner, we’ll walk down the path to a local farm-to-table restaurant for pizza, salads, and other yummies. The evening holds space for easeful strolls, fireside chats, and general merriment.

The Details

Your Trip Includes:

  • Entrance to Monticello & a Private 3-hour Group Tour

  • A pre-trip conversation with Carrie & Serena to explore your questions about U.S. history and/or your own colonial-era ancestry

  • Yoga Practices, Discussions, and Activities designed to anchor & expand your experience and learning

  • A Personalized Syllabus of Suggested Readings, Podcasts, and documentaries. If you would like, Carrie can also search for and include historical records about your ancestors.

  • 3 Nights Lodging (room options listed below)

  • All breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners

    You are Responsible For:

  • Showing up for your own learning and contributing to a conversational space that centers dignity and truth.

  • Your own transportation to and from our lodging in Amherst, Virginia (about a 4 hour drive from Boone, NC) and Monticello (about a 1 hour drive from Amherst).

  • 1 Lunch & 1 Dinner (during our day at Monticello)

  • Wine, spirits, or beer (your choice, of course)

 

Have Questions?

Just drop us a line and we’ll get back to you shortly.