Grills Gallery

The Joe and Marge Grills Gallery at the Montpelier Visitor Center is the location of a rotating “Treasures of Montpelier” exhibit. This state of the art exhibit venue features rare and significant objects owned by or related to the Madisons, works of fine art, historical documents, and archaeological artifacts from Montpelier’s permanent collection as well as items on loan from museums and private collections. Significant pieces, such as Dolley Madison’s engagement ring and James Madison’s walking stick, are displayed in the climate- and light-controlled gallery. Recent rotating exhibits have featured artistic depictions of Montpelier, items associated with Montpelier’s enslaved community, and rare porcelain.

The Founding Friendship and Enduring Legacy of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson

October 13, 2012 marked the opening of The Founding Friendship and Enduring Legacy of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, an exhibit highlighting the personal friendship and political partnership of the Father of the Constitution and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Objects on display in the Grills Gallery include a walking stick bequeathed to Madison upon Jefferson's death and Madison's original notes from his journey with Jefferson to the Northern Lakes in 1791. A companion symposium by the same title, featuring lectures by Ralph Ketcham, David Mattern, Andrew Burstein, Nancy Isenberg, Sue Perdue, and Jack Rakove, was held the same day.