Monticello allows groups to hold private functions

CHARLOTTESVILLE -- A new policy at Monticello allows corporations and other organizations to rent out the grounds of Thomas Jefferson's home for private functions.

While Jefferson's house remains off-limits, available venues include the Jefferson Library, the theater and classrooms in the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, the Smith Woodland Pavilion and outdoor spots scattered across the estate's 2,400 acres.

"It's kind of in the Jeffersonian tradition. Thomas Jefferson was known for his hospitality at Monticello and at the White House," said Ann H. Taylor, executive vice president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which owns and operates Monticello.

Taylor declined to say how much Monticello is charging to host special events, saying it depends on the size and duration of the function, the venue's location and whether catering is involved.

To go along with the private functions, Monticello is also offering private viewings of exhibitions, special tours of the house and private talks by Monticello scholars.

Any private events, Taylor said, may not interfere with normal operations. For example, she said, an event could be scheduled in the theater in the evening, when it is normally closed.

So far, several companies have held executive meetings at Monticello. In June, more than 100 attendees will visit Monticello for a presidential sites and libraries conference.

Monticello is not currently booking weddings or wedding receptions, but it might do so down the road, Taylor said.

Taylor added that many historic homes and museums rent out their spaces.

"It's a mainstream activity of cultural institutions like ours," she said. "It's a way of getting people engaged with our mission."

Monticello's new special-events policy is one of several initiatives launched since Leslie Greene Bowman became president of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation in November 2008.

Daniel P. Jordan, who was chief executive of the foundation for more than 20 years, declined to explain why he did not allow special events at Monticello.

"I can confirm that Monticello was not rented out during my tenure," Jordan said. "A new administration is in place now. And I wish them well."

Kurt Burkhart, executive director of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau, praised Monticello's new policy, as it opens up the region's top tourist destination to outside groups and organizations.

"It's something that bodes well for the community," he said.

Along with the special-events policy, Monticello is overhauling its hours of operation as of Jan. 1.

Gary L. Sandling, vice president of visitor programs and services, said Monticello officials examined detailed visitation data from the past several years to change operating hours to better reflect visitors' preferences and trends.

It will have two sets of opening and closing times, depending on the season. And on peak visitation dates, many weekends and on most major holidays, Monticello will have extended hours under the new system.

"We thought it would be much more visitor-friendly to stay open a little later on a July day that we know will be busy rather than closing at 5 p.m.," Sandling said.

Yet another new initiative at Monticello is the addition of a season pass.

Taylor said the new Independence Pass is ideal for people who want to experience all aspects of Monticello but have found it difficult to cram everything into one day.

"You can spend five or six hours here drinking it all in," she said.

Under a current policy, residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle County can get into Monticello free when they bring an out-of-town guest who purchases admission. The new season pass, Taylor said, can be a cost-effective option for residents of other localities in central Virginia who want to bring guests to Monticello a few times in a year.

"It is in response to demand, particularly among residents of outlying counties," she said.

Brian McNeil is a staff writer at The Daily Progress in Charlottesville.