Thomas Jefferson was a man whose varied interests included math, astronomy, botany, architecture, the arts, literature, viniculture, philosophy and music. In this new series of talks Poplar Forest delves into all things Jefferson found fascinating. The series kicks off when Thomas Jefferson, as portrayed by Bill Barker, and his guest Peggy Cornett, the curator of plants at Monticello, meet to discuss his lifelong horticultural friendships and fascination with all things botany, using Jefferson’s own words gleaned from letters to various friends and family members. A wine and cheese reception follows the presentation.

Jefferson’s long friendship with Andrienne Catherine de Noailles, Comtesse de Tessé, was built over a shared interest in botany. In October 1801, Jefferson wrote that ”Altho’ the times are big with political events, yet I shall say nothing on that or any subject but the innocent ones of botany & friendship.” Introduced by her nephew the Marquis de Lafayette when Jefferson was the American minister to France (1784 to 1789), the two exchanged many seeds and plant specimens, shipping them across the Atlantic for many years. Tickets are $25 per person, per talk, or $80 per person for all four Curiosities Series talks.

Thursday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m.