After over a year in lockdown, experiencing archives through a computer screen, it was a great feeling to be back out in the field again. I was fortunate to be awarded a short-term fellowship by the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies, and spent this past August in Charlottesville, Virginia, researching the religious dynamics of the election of 1800 where my dissertation begins.
Though the Jefferson Library at Monticello and the University of Virginia’s Special Collections Library had many great sources for me to explore, what truly made this fellowship unforgettable were the staff and faculty. COVID-19 has been hard on all of us, and as an extrovert, not being able to just randomly walk into colleagues around campus, grab a coffee, and discuss the progress of our various research projects has been tough for me. Thankfully, people like historian John A. Ragosta, made themselves completely available to me, and directed me to primary and secondary sources I had never encountered before.
In addition to the deep knowledge the faculty and staff have of the Jefferson papers, something striking about the Jefferson Library is how many older and out-of-print secondary works it possesses, as well as limited-run specialty books. The library also collects theses from around the world focused on Jefferson and his era, texts that one might never find throughout the course of their research. It’s hard to understate how much of a treasure trove the Jefferson Library really is as well as being an enchanting and peaceful workspace.
I mean, just look at this incredible setting.
Furthermore, I could not complain about my digs. The housing I received for this fellowship, Tufton Farm, was stunning, as is the natural beauty of the scenery. Having housing provided, even for in-residence fellowships, is rare and a much appreciated benefit of the fellowship. During my stay, I learned that Jefferson inherited Tufton as part of his patrimony and the land was used for agricultural purposes, with labor done by enslaved people. Jefferson’s grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, took over Tufton’s management in 1817.
Because of Tufton’s remoteness and tranquility, it was an amazing spot to write in peace and quiet. Plus seeing deer, cows, and rabbits is always nice.
There is of course Mr. Jefferson’s university, the University of Virginia (UVA), another major draw of the fellowship. Doing my fellowship in August was interesting because during the first half of the month, there were hardly any students around, but as of the second half, the new academic year had started so the campus overflowed with activity.
Walking around the University of Virginia’s campus made me nostalgic for my time at Yale Divinity School. Why? Well, the Divinity School’s Sterling Divinity Quadrangle (also known as “The Quad”), is a miniaturized version of Jefferson’s Academical Village. The major difference being that Marquand Chapel takes the place of the more secular Rotunda.
A marker to one of UVA’s former students, Edgar Allan Poe.
During my time as a short-term fellow, I also had the opportunity to conduct research at UVA’s Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library. With limited time due to restricted visiting researcher hours, my goal was to scan as much as I could and then review my findings once I returned home. One of the things about working in archives is how much you can start to take for granted what you are studying and holding. Occasionally however I found myself in awe of my situation, thinking “Holy crap, I am holding a letter written by [insert name of famous American]!” Sometimes it is good to remind oneself how lucky and abnormal this profession can be.
A letter from Thomas Hart Benton discussing the 1824 U.S. presidential election.
In going over anything and everything that even mentioned the elections of 1824, 1828, and 1832, it was exciting exploring the personal lives of these correspondences. In most of the letters I reviewed, the letters do not center on the political scene at the time, but rather the author will make a casual aside about who they think will win or comment on the state of the race. Not unlike how our own political discourse will randomly find its way in and out of our conversations with friends and family, regardless of where the exchange started.
Daniel outside Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Because Charlottesville is not too far from Philadelphia, I decided to spend some time there as well, having a mix of tourism and research. I had never been there before, so just taking in the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall were awe inspiring. Another reason for my trip was for the opportunity to connect with one of my tailors, Glenn Au of Junior’s. I was in the market for a classic navy blue sport coat, so I met with Glenn at a coffee shop so we could look over various fabrics and he could take my measurements. It made for a funny sight for customers and passersby, as well as the barista. If you are ever in Philadelphia, and you need a new button-down shirt, I cannot recommend Junior’s highly enough.
Daniel with Glenn Au of Junior’s.
I greatly enjoyed my time in Charlottesville, and I would encourage everyone researching the Jeffersonian era to look into the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies.
