Founding Friends, Founding Foes: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

August 26, 2026

4 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. K-12 Teacher Professional Development Workshop (educators only)
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Public Panel Discussion: Featuring Dr. Jane Kamensky and Dr. Kurt Graham
7:30 p.m. Feast of Reason Reception

Ronald Reagan Library and Museum
40 Presidential Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Register Here

Join the National Archives and Records Administration at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and the Adams Presidential Center for an evening exploring one of the most remarkable relationships in American history.

As our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this special program examines the evolving friendship and rivalry between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—two Founding Fathers whose disagreements, collaborations, and enduring commitment to the American experiment continue to offer enduring lessons to our civic life.

Agenda

Teacher Professional Development Workshop
(4–5:45 p.m.)

Southern California K–12 educators are invited to begin the afternoon with an exclusive professional development workshop led by the education teams from the Reagan Library, 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

Evening Public Program
(6:00–7:30 PM)

Founding Friends, Founding Foes: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

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. (Snacks and drinks will be provided.)

Registration Requirements and Event Details

Registration for the workshop is complimentary for K–12 educators, school staff, administrators, and social science teachers.

Registration for the Public Panel Discussion: Featuring Dr. Jane Kamensky and Dr. Kurt Graham and Feast of Reason Reception is open to the general public.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required. 

Complimentary parking is available.

Workshop begins at 4:00pm, but participants are invited to arrive early to tour the Reagan Library’s Special Exhibit: America 250

REGISTER HERE

A National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Event in Collaboration with: