Getting Word African American History at Monticello

Looking Back on the U.S.A.’s Many Founders, 250 Years In (Gift Article) In the past 50 years, the way we tell the story of the Revolution has become dramatically more complex. Can it still inspire us all?

Well said, from our research and oral historian Tiana Woodard!

Send kudos to Tiana Woodard, our department's research and oral historian, on her selection as a scholarship recipient by the Board for Certification of Genealogists!

Woodard is a 2026 recipient of the Paul E. Sluby Sr. Scholarship, named for the board's first African American certified genealogist. The scholarship covers expenses to attend one of the board's five premier institutes, along with the application fee for those seeking certification.

Congrats, Tiana!

The future of cultural conservation is in good hands! 👩🏾‍🎓

Please send kudos to Jenna Owens, a Getting Word oral historian, for earning her Master of Arts in Cultural Heritage Management from Johns Hopkins University. We are oh-so proud of you and lucky to call you a teammate!

Join us on Thursday, June 25 for a conversation with mixed media artist Jabari Jefferson, for a discussion of his latest work, "Who Is Edith Hern Fossett?".

Jefferson will explore the inspiration, research, and creative process behind his contemporary interpretation of Edith Hern Fossett, an enslaved, French-trained chef who served at the White House during Thomas Jefferson's presidency and later ran the kitchen at Monticello. Hern Fossett was sold from her husband and children after Jefferson's death, but later gained her freedom and reunited with most of her family in Ohio. Auriana Woods, director of the Getting Word African American History Department at Monticello, will moderate.

The talk will also explore Jabari Jefferson's connection to Monticello as a descendant of its enslaved community. Following the talk, attendees will get a chance to view the portrait in Monticello's new gallery space.

Purchase your tickets at the link below:

Artist Talk with Jabari Jefferson on "Who Is Edith Hern Fossett?" Join us for an engaging conversation with artist Jabari Jefferson as he discusses his latest work, “Who Is Edith Hern Fossett?”

We're thrilled to announce that Karice Luck-Brimmer has joined our department as a genealogy consultant!

Born and raised in Danville, Karice LB brings decades of experience rediscovering and amplifying African American history in the Dan River Region. Her sharp skills and strong community ties make her a perfect addition to Getting Word, as our team works to reconnect with descendants of Monticello's enslaved community beyond Central Virginia.

Karice spoke with Tiana Woodard, our department's research and oral historian, about her beginnings in genealogy, ongoing projects in her hometown, and her biggest hopes through collaborating with our department. Welcome Ressie!

Q&A: Karice Luck-Brimmer Joins Getting Word as Genealogical Consultant Danville-based genealogist Karice Luck-Brimmer is bringing her family history expertise to Getting Word as our newest consultant.