Consider adding any of these special interest tours to your group's tour itinerary...

$5pp, minimum 20 people

The Enslaved Community Tour — Montpelier was home to more than 100 slaves at any one time, and it was their work and skill that built Montpelier and made it work. On this walking tour, you will visit the places they lived, loved, and labored.

Garden and Grounds — Explore both the natural and human landscape at Montpelier — home to champion native trees, rare flowers, unique specimen plantings, and 200 years of landscaping that is still being revealed daily by Montpelier's archaeologists.


 The Gilmore Cabin: A Freedman's Farm — Visit the home of an emancipated family after the Civil War, and learn what life was like for newly freed slaves striving to make their way as citizens.

Big Woods Walk — Hike through the National Landmark Forest—a rare hardwood climax forest composed of towering poplars, stately oaks, and sprawling beeches. Guests will learn about ecology, conservation, and Madison's role as an early environmentalist. The trail is a gentle mile loop.

Civil War Trail and Confederate Encampment — Parts of the Confederate army parked in Montpelier's woods over the winter of 1863–1864. On this tour you will see the archaeological remains of those camps, and the recreated huts re-enactors have built to represent them.


 Constitutional Conundrums — In today’s political climate, what is and what isn't constitutional is more uncertain than ever.  Join a Montpelier Interpreter for an in-depth discussion that delves into the Madisonian principles that provided the framework of the Constitution, the opposition he had to debate at the 1787 convention, and discover the genius of our constitution as well as the fundamental contradictions which have troubled our political system for 225 years. Audience participation encouraged! 

Expert Experiences

$250, up to 25 people

Curatorial Experience — Join Montpelier's curators and examine the latest discoveries and research in the Presidential Detective Story. Discussion subjects vary, but can include ceramics, artwork, furniture, and the Presidential Library.

Restoration Experience — Join Montpelier's Director of Restoration for an illustrated overview of the architectural evolution of Montpelier from 1763 until today, highlighting the research, process, and execution of work.

Archaeological Experience — Take a behind-the-scenes look at the archaeology lab. Learn how archaeologists restore ceramics, conserve iron, and process all artifacts at the lab. A tour of the active dig site is included when excavations are in progress.

Constitutional Experience — Join Montpelier's Constitutional Expert and discuss how Madison's work is still relevant and influences people's lives around the world today.

Executive Experiences

$500, up to 25 people

Book a private discussion with Montpelier's Executives on topics such as the Constitution, James Madison and Religious Freedom, or a special one-on-one with Montpelier's "James Madison" or "Dolley Madison" interpreters.

Reservations 

Special Interest Tours and lectures should be reserved when booking your group's tour. Reservations will be scheduled based on availability. For more information on group tours please download our Group Tour Manual. To inquire about availability please contact our Group Tour Reservations department.

Email: tours@montpelier.org
Telephone: (540) 672-2728 x442

Archaeology Expeditions

Spend a week immersed in an Archaeology Expedition at Montpelier, home of the Father of the Constitution. Stay at Montpelier, or in a luxury local bed & breakfast.

More »

•  Session 4: August 5—11
•  Session 5: August 12—18
•  Session 6: August 19—25
•  Session 7: August 26—September 1
•  Session 8: September 16—22
•  Session 9: October 7—13
•  Session 10: October 21—27

Hours

April—October: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
November—March: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Open 7-days a week
closed Thanksgiving and Christmas