Travel Class - Mr Jefferson's Academical Village
Tuesday, November 12, 2019 | 4:00-5:30pm
A Class Honoring U.Va.’s 200th Anniversary
Mr. Jefferson’s “Academical Village”, a lecture series featuring top historians
Introduction – This year marks U.Va.’s 200th anniversary. In 1819 Central College—the “hobby” of Jefferson’s old age—was officially granted the state charter making it the University of Virginia. It was truly a new model for higher learning, one shaped by the powerful belief that only an educated citizenry could sustain the new republic, keeping it free from tyranny. Since opening its doors in 1825, the University has become one of the nation’s most renowned educational institutions. Its original structures, designed by Jefferson, are on UNESCO’s World Heritage List of treasures to be preserved at all cost. U.Va.’s modern status, however, disguises the fact that the founding was a process of many years, much sweat, and considerable debate. Join us as we explore the early days of the University of Virginia!
The Class – Perfect for history buffs and transplants alike, this six-session class covers the early days of the University of Virginia. Topics include “The Founding of the University” - “The Architecture of the Original Grounds” - “Slavery at the University” - “Edgar Allan Poe at U.Va.” - “U.Va. Archaeological Digs!,” and “The Marquis de Lafayette’s Visit.”
The Travel Session – Tuesday, November 26, 9 a.m. - A FREE 2-hour tour of the Original Grounds of the University of Virginia (for class participants only). We’ll see world-class statuary, the Lawn’s numerous architectural gems, the gorgeous Pavilion Gardens, Poe’s room at #13 Rowdy Row, and all three floors of the fabulous Rotunda.
The Speakers – Dr. Leni Sorensen (a slavery Historian), K. Edward Lay (U.Va.’s Cary D. Langhorne Professor Emeritus of Architecture), Dr. Ben Ford (Principal Investigator at Rivanna Archaeological Services), and local award-winning Historian Rick Britton.
The Details – Held at The Center (formerly the Senior Center), located at 491 Hillsdale Drive, the class starts Tuesday, October 15, and runs for 5 more Tuesdays (4 to 5 p.m.): October 22, 29, and November 5, 12, and 19. Charge: The Center members - $80; Guests - $90. To sign up, call The Center Travel Office at (434) 974-6538 or go to www.thecentercville.org and press first “Travel,” then “Lectures.”
Open to all.
Location: The Center
