Thomas Jefferson: Essential American Founder
The American Idea · Feb 4, 2026 · 53:06
The American Idea · Feb 4, 2026 · 53:06
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Thomas Jefferson: “Author of the Declaration of American Independence [and] of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom & Father of the University of Virginia.”
So says his tombstone, as he requested. Who was Jefferson, beyond the Declaration’s author? What were his beliefs and hopes? What else did he write and how can we better understand this essential American Founder today?
Join Jeff as he discusses Jefferson with Todd Estes, Professor of History.
Read “A Summary View of the Rights of British America”: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/a-summary-view-of-the-rights-of-british-america-2/
Read the Rockfish Gap Report: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/03-13-02-0197-0006
Read this excerpt from the Notes on the State of Virginia: https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/2260
Host: Jeff Sikkenga
Executive Producer: Jeremy Gypton
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