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.
Please join us as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11. This in person event includes keynote remarks by U.S. Army Sergeant Neil Duncan (Ret.) and Brian Montgomery, live music and a tribute to our fallen heroes. This event will be held outdoors and is free to attend, however reservations are recommended.
Neil Duncan was 17 during the 9/11 attacks. At 18 he joined the Army as a paratrooper. In 2005, an IED in Afghanistan cost him both legs. Undeterred, he earned a Master’s from Columbia, climbed Kilimanjaro, Denali, and Aconcagua, and now advocates for veterans through awareness and legislation.
Brian Montgomery was President George W. Bush’s Director of Presidential Advance and was with the President in Sarasota, Florida on 9/11. Brian managed the urgent and complex logistics to ensure the President’s safety.
Come help us commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence! Enjoy live music by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Band and country artist Justin Honsinger, along with appearances by Iwo Jima re-enactors and presidential look-alikes. Family-friendly activities include face painting, crafts, lawn games, carnival picnic games, and Presidential Bingo with prizes.
Join us at 12 PM for a special America 250 program featuring keynote speaker, Medal of Honor Recipient General Patrick Henry Brady.
All outdoor activities are free.
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.
