Charlottesville: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello releases 10-year strategic plan

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is seeking to “Embrace the Climb” with a 10-year strategic plan that has been two years in the making.

The vision’s name is taken from a quote from Jefferson in 1786: “When clambering a mountain, we always hope the hill we are on is the last. But it is the next, and the next, and still the next.”

The 10-year plan offers a new vision statement, strategic goals and key initiatives. Monticello will embrace the ongoing journey toward understanding the history of the mountaintop, realizing the founding ideals of American democracy and meeting the needs of visitors from around the world.

“We’re excited to pursue these goals and initiatives as we champion Monticello as the country’s premiere historical destination for visitors of all ages and backgrounds,” said Dr. Jane Kamensky, president and CEO of Charlottesville’s Monticello.

ICYMI

• Monticello historians discover six additional slaves owned by Thomas Jefferson
• Monticello to lead network designed to teach civics to millions of Americans
• Monticello ceremony welcomes 74 new citizens on same day ICE is given unprecedented power

Monticello: Four strategic goals

The plan defines four goals that will guide Monticello’s focus for the next decade:

• Activate landscapes – Beginning with a comprehensive land use planning effort, Monticello seeks to elevate the impact of its landscapes, connecting the preservation and education strands of its mission. An example of efforts to make Monticello lands more accessible is found in an upcoming right-of-way easement with Albemarle County to extend the county’s Old Mills Trail across Monticello-owned lands.
• Strengthen Monticello from the inside out – Monticello is committed to supporting the growth of its staff and will introduce programs and resources, including a new website, to multiply its impact as a leader in historic preservation and civic education.
• Monticello for Virginia – Monticello seeks to engage more deeply with individuals, communities and institutions across the Commonwealth; partnerships reflect Monticello’s aim to be a site of inquiry, instruction and pride for all Virginians.
• Monticello for America, Monticello as America – Monticello aims to be a meaningful and accessible resource for broad audiences, both on site and online. Leveraging the opportunities provided by the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Monticello will serve the whole of America and its founding aspirations.