Archeologists at James Madison’s plantation Montpelier have spent the past few years trying to locate the remains of the house where our fourth President was born 250 years ago this month. Clarence Geier (James Madison University) and Matt Reeves, Montpelier’s staff archeologist, discuss what finding Mount Pleasant could reveal about the formative years of the man considered the “Father of the Constitution” and life on the Virginia frontier.
Also featured: Madison’s wife, Dolley, was the first Presidential wife to live in the White House and as such she had great influence on the role of First Lady. Political scientist Anthony Eksterowicz (James Madison University) looks at the role of Mrs. Madison and other prominent 20th century first ladies. Historian Holly Cowan Shulman (University of Virginia) looks at Dolley’s place in pop culture.
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