Place
Prior to the formation of the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation had various small library collections tucked away in offices, conference rooms, and hallways. Under the leadership of then-Foundation President Daniel P. Jordan, along with the Board of Trustees, the need for a central research library was recognized, and a master plan was devised for “a center for Jefferson study.” In 1992, the TJF arranged with the University of Virginia to lease a property adjacent to Monticello called Kenwood, recently willed to the University by Frances Watson. Hartman-Cox Architects of Washington, D.C. was hired to design a state-of-the-art library building, and construction began on September 15, 2000. The library was dedicated on Jefferson’s birthday, April 13, 2002. In 2003, the Jefferson Library received the prestigious American Institute of Architects / American Library Association prize for the design by Warren J. Cox, Partner at Hartman-Cox.
Place
Conceptual Aerial Sketch of the Jefferson Library, Hartman-Cox Architects
This sketch shows the architect's original conception of the Jefferson Library building as part of the Kenwood research campus (undated but probably ca. 1998).
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation made the decision to construct a $5.5 million, 15,500-square-foot, technologically sophisticated Jefferson Research Library at Kenwood "to house an expanded collection of source materials, secondary works, and bibliographic aids, and to provide worldwide access to its collection through digital networks."
The Jefferson Library would become part of the International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS). Established in 1994 by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation—the private, nonprofit organization that has owned and operated Monticello since 1923—the ICJS has created a network of scholars, teachers, and students who engage a global audience in a dialogue with Jefferson’s ideas. Through a fellowship program, international scholarly conferences, panel discussions, teacher workshops, lectures, and curriculum-based tours, the ICJS establishes relationships with people from around the world.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Contractor Martin Horn, Inc., was hired in late 1998, and construction began in 2000 after intensive planning. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 21, 2000. Pictured here, with shovels at the ready, are: Mike Merriam (Director of Facilities Planning and Management), Jack Robertson (Foundation Librarian), Jim Horn (Director of the International Center for Jefferson Studies), Dan Jordan (President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation), Jack Horn of Martin Horn (general contractor), and Joan and Nancy Horn.
Jefferson Library Construction
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation's Board of Trustees approved the plan for the library in 2000. They are pictured here on a visit to the construction site during their spring board meeting in April of 2001.
Left to right: Leigh B. Middleditch, Jr.; Albert D. Ernest, Jr. (Treasurer); Thomas A. Saunders III (Vice Chairman); Mrs. George M. Cochran (Emerita); Jeffrey C. Walker; Hunter J. Smith (Secretary); Michael R. Beschloss; Alice W. Handy; Brenton S. Halsey (Chairman); Rebecca R. Rimel; John A. Griffin; Katherine A. Couric; John F. Cooke; Alfonso L. Carney, Jr.; Daniel P. Jordan (President of TJF).
Jefferson Library Construction
The Jefferson Library begins to take shape. Pictured here is the building's front façade, seen from the direction of Kenwood, in the summer of 2001.
Jefferson Library Dedication
The Jefferson Library was dedicated on April 13, 2002, planned to coincide with Thomas Jefferson's 259th birthday. In attendance were author David McCullough, Governor (later Senator) Mark Warner, and Senator (and former Virginia Governor) George Allen.
Top (left to right): Jack Robertson; Author David McCullough delivering his remarks at the Library's dedication; Warren Cox, the architect of the Library, and Luella Davis, lead donor for the Library project, ready to perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Bottom (left to right): Director of Restoration, William Beiswanger (left), and a guest look on as Foundation Librarian, Jack Robertson (right), points out important features of the new Library on a set of blueprints in the Nichols Room; Governor Warner and Senator Allen take the Library's public terminals for a test drive.