Montpelier's Digital Doorway
Behind the Scenes at James Madison's Montpelier
Explore the people, projects, and process behind the stories we tell at James Madison's Montpelier.
Digging Deeper
Read the Latest Posts from our Team
What’s in a Number?
When looking at labels in your favorite museum, you might notice that the objects are referred to with specific sets of numbers. Sometimes a combination of numbers, letters, and years, these sequences can often seem like another language…welcome to Museum Accessioning 101.
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The Wallpaper has Hair!?: Uncovering what Covered the Walls of Montpelier
A surprising discovery led to the recreation of one of the most eye catching elements in the house
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The Naming Project: John
James Madison received John as a gift from his father, along with John’s mother Sinar and his five siblings. John accompanied Madison to Philadelphia in 1787 and New York in 1788.
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Real or Faux: The Art of Imitation in Madison’s Montpelier
A small discovery during the restoration led to the recreation of a unique architectural feature in the north passage.
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Lafayette’s Farewell Tour: “The Guest of the Nation” Visits Montpelier
Journals, letters, and newspaper accounts help us trace Lafayette’s three stops at Montpelier in 1824-25, from ceremonial greetings to dinner table discussions to poignant farewells.
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The Congressional Election of 1789
Questionably-drawn voting districts, flip-flops, getting out the vote, and – surprise! – cordiality between the candidates. It’s election season, 1789.
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Finding Ghosts in Montpelier
Learn how ghost evidence led to some important discoveries during the restoration of the Madison house.
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Digitizing the Restoration
Learn how a current grant project is bringing a new life to the numerous boxes of records created during the restoration of the Madison house.
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The Naming Project: Charity
Charity was listed on James Madison Sr.’s personal property tax records for three years (1782-1784), after which time she disappears from the historical record.
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