Library Hour: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship

In 1791, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison traveled through upstate New York and New England during a fragile moment in the young American republic. Although the Constitution had been ratified and President Washington was in office, regional and political divisions raised doubts about the nation’s future. Some suspected the journey by two leading southern Democratic-Republicans had political purposes, but Madison described it as undertaken for “health, recreation, and curiosity.” This road trip forged one of America’s most significant friendships and provides insights into the two future president’s personal lives and evolving political views. Encounters with a free Black farmer and a native American tribe shed light of these Founders’ views about slavery, race, and language. 

As part of the America250 celebrations at the League, Founding Forward welcomes Louis Masur, a Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University, as the guest speaker for this event. 

This program will be hosted in-person at the League House. Registration is required. Copies of A Journey North: Jefferson, Madison, and the Forging of a Friendship will be available for purchase. 

Reception: 6:00pm
Program: 6:30pm
End of Program: 7:30pm 

Streaming: Founding Forward programs are streamed via YouTube. Click here to find the livestream (live at 6:30pm the day of the event). Virtual viewing does not require registration. Upon the speaker’s request, the program will not be available on our YouTube channel after the event ends.