Join Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the Adams Presidential Center at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum from 8:30am – 12:30pm on September 24, 2026, for a special America250 professional development opportunity.
In this workshop, titled Founding Friends, Founding Foes, all three presidential institutions will explore complicated civic friendships whose discourse and partnerships defined American policies. Teachers will analyze the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, going from allies in 1776 to bitter political rivals and friends again in retirement. They will examine how Truman’s complex relationships with cabinet members and military leaders led to the expansion of American foreign policy.
Teachers will consider how these relationships can inspire students to engage in civil discourse and friendships today, while leaving with strategies and resources to implement immediately in the classroom.
This workshop is free and open to all current educators. Lunch and Museum admission are included. Space is limited.
The first 12 teachers from both Missouri and Kansas will receive each $75 stipend to support substitute funding, graciously provided by Missouri Council for History Education and Kansas Council for History Education.
Founding Friends, Founding Foes: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson (6:00–7:30 PM)
Drawing on Monticello’s acclaimed Founding Friends, Founding Foes program, the discussion will explore how Adams and Jefferson navigated friendship, fierce political rivalry, and reconciliation while helping establish the foundations of American democracy. As America marks its Semiquincentennial, this conversation invites participants to consider how respectful disagreement, collaboration, and shared civic values remain essential to our constitutional republic.
- Dr. Kurt Graham, President & CEO, Adams Presidential Center
- Dr. Jane Kamensky, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
- Moderated by Dr. Janet Tran, Director, Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Feast of Reason Reception (7:30-8:30 PM)
Following the panel discussion, guests are invited to a public reception featuring Monticello’s Feast of Reason conversation cards—a facilitated experience designed to inspire thoughtful civic dialogue and meaningful conversations.
This event is free to the public.
Southern California K–12 educators are invited to begin the afternoon with an exclusive professional development workshop led by the education teams from the National Archives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Monticello, and the Adams Presidential Center.
Participants will:
Explore classroom-ready history and civics resources
Examine primary source materials and instructional strategies
Discuss themes of civic friendship, political disagreement, coalition-building, and constitutional democracy
Connect with fellow educators from across Southern California
This is a free event.
As America marks 250 years of independence, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum invites you to celebrate America 250 at the Reagan Library, where the American story comes to life.
Inspired by President Reagan’s enduring optimism and his faith in freedom, this spectacular exhibition will take you on a sweeping journey through our nation’s story, from the daring decision to declare independence to the America Ronald Reagan knew and helped shape, and the chapters still being written today. It is the Reagan Library’s signature contribution to the 250th anniversary of the United States, an opportunity to experience this unique milestone together. Included with Museum admission.
Join the education team at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this summer for a free three-hour program of discussion and activities, including a guided tour of the museum!
Students (grades 6-8), plus their accompanying adults, will learn about becoming engaged leaders in their community by studying the Declaration of Independence, and by seeing the examples of President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford.
Space is limited, registration is required.
Join the education team at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this summer for a free three-hour program of discussion and activities, including a guided tour of the museum! Students (grades 6-8), plus their accompanying adults, will learn about becoming engaged leaders in their community by studying the Declaration of Independence, and by seeing the examples of President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford.
Space is limited, registration is required.
Join the education team at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum this summer for a free three-hour program of discussion and activities, including a guided tour of the museum!
Students (grades 6-8), plus their accompanying adults, will learn about becoming engaged leaders in their community by studying the Declaration of Independence, and by seeing the examples of President Gerald and First Lady Betty Ford.
Space is limited, registration is required.
