The Fralin Museum Explores Thomas Jefferson's Complex Legacy This Fall

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia has announced a series of fall exhibitions designed to explore the varied themes and perspectives surrounding the legacies of Thomas Jefferson and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On view from August 29, 2026, through January 3, 2027, these exhibitions aim to provide new insights into one of America's most celebrated founding fathers by employing both historical and contemporary approaches.

According to the museum, the exhibitions will consider the ways Jefferson helped shape the United States in its early years and promoted ideals that continue to be debated today. This dual approach offers a rich opportunity for students, parents, and educators to engage with history through art and critical thought.

Georges Adéagbo and the Legacies of Independence

One of the featured exhibitions, titled Georges Adéagbo and the Legacies of Independence, offers a contemporary look at Jefferson through the lens of internationally acclaimed artist Georges Adéagbo. The Fralin Museum invited Adéagbo, who was born in Benin in 1942, to create a site-specific installation centered on Thomas Jefferson, his life at Monticello, and the evolving meanings of independence over time.

The museum states that Adéagbo's project brings together archives, found objects, and newly created art objects to provide a global perspective. This immersive experience is intended to explore Jefferson, his contemporaries, and the ongoing pursuit of the ideals of independence and equality. For students, this exhibition could serve as a powerful introduction to how artists engage with historical figures and complex societal issues, encouraging them to think critically about different interpretations of history.

Adéagbo's interest in Jefferson reportedly stems from his previous work on Abraham Lincoln. According to the museum, Adéagbo created a series of presidential portraits of Lincoln for New York’s Museum of Modern Art in 2000, and a three-part exhibition on Lincoln in 2023 that traveled to several significant historical sites. During this work, the artist learned about Jefferson, described by the museum as the “slave-owning architect of the Declaration of Independence.” These contradictions—specifically, for whom Jefferson truly created space for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and their contemporary meaning have, according to the museum, captivated Adéagbo's interest and form the core of this project.

The exhibition is curated by Karen E. Milbourne, J. Sanford Miller Family Director, with Ariel Ankrah, Curatorial Assistant. This curatorial approach suggests a thoughtful exploration of historical complexities that could be particularly valuable for high school and college students studying American history, political science, or art history.

Collection and Translation: Thomas Jefferson in Southern France

The second exhibition, Collection and Translation: Thomas Jefferson in Southern France, shifts focus to a specific period in Jefferson's life. This exhibition examines Jefferson’s time in Southern France through a collection of 18th and early 19th-century prints, drawings, rare books, maps, and objects.

According to the museum, in early spring 1787, Thomas Jefferson embarked on a three-month journey to the South of France. His primary objective was to gather information on valuable plants, labor strategies, and monumental architecture that he could adapt and translate into the American context. His observations of the region's terrain, peoples, and customs were meticulously recorded in detailed letters and diaries.

The museum highlights that influences from the rich cultural landscape Jefferson encountered in Southern France are evident throughout Virginia. Most notably, his designs for the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond were reportedly inspired by the Maison Carrée, a Roman temple in Nîmes. This connection provides a tangible link between European history, architectural design, and American development.

The exhibition is organized into three thematic sections: plants, labor, and architecture. Each section, according to the Fralin, includes citations from Jefferson’s writings as well as photographs of the locations he visited. This detailed approach could be highly beneficial for students learning about primary sources, historical research methods, and the transatlantic influences that shaped early America. Educators might find this exhibition particularly useful for lessons on architectural history, agricultural development, or the broader intellectual currents of the Enlightenment period.

Collection and Translation: Thomas Jefferson in Southern France is co-curated by Elisabeth Rivard, Ph.D. Candidate in Art and Architectural History and Barringer-Lindner Curatorial Fellow at the University of Virginia, and M. Jordan Love, Carol R. Angle Academic Curator.

Educational Opportunities and Engagement

Taken together, these two exhibitions offer a comprehensive and nuanced look at Thomas Jefferson's legacy. For parents and teachers, these exhibitions present a unique opportunity to engage students with American history in a dynamic and thought-provoking way. The combination of a contemporary artistic interpretation with a historically focused collection allows for discussions that encompass both past events and their ongoing relevance.

Visiting these exhibitions could encourage students to:

• Develop critical thinking skills: By examining different perspectives on a historical figure, students can learn to analyze complex issues and form their own informed opinions.
• Understand historical context: The detailed historical materials offer a deeper understanding of the societal, political, and cultural landscape of Jefferson's time.
• Appreciate artistic interpretation: Adéagbo's installation demonstrates how art can serve as a powerful medium for historical commentary and social critique.
• Connect history to the present: The museum's stated aim to explore ideals that continue to be deliberated today encourages students to see the enduring impact of historical figures and events.

The Fralin Museum of Art's fall exhibitions appear to offer a compelling educational experience, inviting visitors to engage deeply with one of America's foundational figures and the complex tapestry of his legacy.