Montpelier

"Fun with the Family"

This home of James Madison, fourth president of the United States, was spruced up considerably in 2001 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Madison’s birth.
 
Start with a fifteen-minute presentation at the new visitor center. The house is in the process of being restored to reflect Madison’s period and visitors can witness artisans at work on the transformation.
 
A hands-on restoration tent lets you make a brick or saw a log; an active archaeological dig shows research in action. A cabin built in 1870 by George Gilmore, born a slave of Madison, has been restored, and tours reveal what the daily life of a slave might have been like.
 
The acoustiguide relates the history of the family and buildings. The guided tour lasts one to two hours, so younger children may get impatient. Check for special events like pony races to spark their interest, including Wednesday morning programs, July through mid-August, geared separately toward children ages 3 through 6 and 7 through 12.