The Years Bring Enlightenment: The Friendship and Politics of Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson and Abigail Adams will engage in a spirited discussion of their often-conflicting views on the events that surrounded the struggle for American Independence and the establishment of the United States under the Constitution.  

Abigail Adams and Thomas Jefferson were, for all practical explanations, from two completely different worlds. She was New England born, the second daughter of a Parson, and, in her own words “destitute in every part of education”. Thomas Jefferson was the highly educated, privileged first son of a wealthy Virginia planter. Their spheres should never have brought them together in friendship, but the extraordinary events of their lifetimes brought these two highly intelligent people into a friendship of conversation and correspondence that would provide posterity with a unique conversation about: 

• the different roles, expectations of, and opportunities for men and women in the 18th century,  

• the different economies of the northern and southern states during the founding years,  

• the developing, opposing political views of the new nation 

• the necessity to maintain civil and cordial conversation in the face of vastly differing experiences and opinions. 

Topics of debate will include women’s rights, Shays' Rebellion, sedition, immigration, presidential powers, supreme court appointments, and other issues. 

This event is part of the JES’s USA 250 Event Series. 

Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508

Date/Time: Tuesday, February 10, reception at 6 p.m., event at 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Admission: $15, $25 with guest

Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee 

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