The Corporation For Jeffersons Poplar Forest

Programs: The nonprofit Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest was formed in December 1983 by a group of individuals to lead the rescue of Jefferson’s endangered retreat for the cultural and educational benefit of the public—now and for future generations. In January 1984 the Corporation succeeded in taking title to a 50-acre parcel of land which was all that remained with the original buildings at the heart of Jefferson’s original plantation. In 1986 Poplar Forest opened to the public for the first time—in the “before restoration” stage. In the first years, funds were raised to stabilize the historic features, keep the landmark open regularly, complete payment on the first land purchases, begin the state-of-the-art restoration, and start developing Poplar Forest’s tremendous educational potential. The ongoing land rescue, archaeological exploration, and restoration is made possible entirely through donations to The Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, a nonprofit 501c(3) organization. Awarded the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Honor Award, the restoration now in progress is regarded in the professional preservation community as one of the most important projects in the country. Compared to other American landmarks such as Mount Vernon and Monticello, Poplar Forest is in the infancy of its rescue and restoration. Visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries have come to Poplar Forest to experience Thomas Jefferson’s private villa retreat as well as to explore the lives of over 90 enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked at Poplar Forest. They are witnessing archaeologists bringing new information to light throughout the plantation and restoration craftsmen painstakingly restoring Jefferson’s ideal space for his personal pursuit of happiness.