The Hemings Family of Monticello: A Musical History Dinner

Join Dr. Leni Sorensen of Indigo House and David McCormick of Early Music Access Project for an evening of food, wine, and music that offers a window into the many accomplishments of the Hemings family, once enslaved at Monticello.

Leni will introduce dinner guests to Chef James Hemings, who was trained in the art of French cooking while accompanying Thomas Jefferson in Paris. In Philadelphia, Hemings would use these skills to cook for countless diplomats and politicians during Jefferson’s time as Secretary of State. This multi-course meal offers a glimpse into the Hemings kitchen and the extended family members who learned from James Hemings and cooked at Monticello after his death.

Throughout the evening, David will play fiddle tunes associated with this highly musical family. All three of Sally Hemings’ sons with Thomas Jefferson appear to have been fiddlers, and there were three generations of fiddlers among their cousins in the Scott family. 

The 4-Course Menu

1770 Tomato Soup

Salad with 1824 Tarragon Dressing

1824 Curry of Chicken with Rice

Honey-Butter Carrots

1824 Raspberry Cream

Tickets to this event are $225 per person. Proceeds will support Early Music Access Project ($45 of your ticket price will be considered a tax deductible donation). Reserve your spot early -- seating is limited for this special event! RSVP no later than Friday, April 7.

Table sponsorships are available for $2,000. Sponsors receive tickets for a table of 6, plus 6 VIP tickets to Early Music Access Project's June 18 concert at The Rotunda, Rock & Reel: Monticello's Folk Traditions. Sponsors will be publicly acknowledged at both events and on the EMAP website. Contact David McCormick at info@earlymusiccville.org for more information on sponsorship.