The Mountaintop Project was a multi-year effort to restore Monticello as Jefferson knew it, and to tell the stories of the people – enslaved and free – who lived and worked on the 5,000 acre plantation (courtesy TJF). Projects include the restoration of the upper two floors of Monticello and opening of the floors for visitation; preservation of Mulberry Row and Jeffersonn’s historic Kitchen Road; restoration of both the North and South Wings of Monticello to provide historic interpretation and visitor services; massive infrastructure modernization including a geothermal well field to serve Monticello; installation of ten miles of utilities to connect Monticello to municipal water and sever services; restoration of the original stone stable and Joiner’s Shop Chimney; and the restoration of the Stone Workman’s house.
The Mountaintop Project was made possible by a transformation contribution from David M. Rubenstein. Leading support was provided by Friz and Claudine Kundrun, along with generous gifts and grants from Sara and Ross Perot, Jr Foundation, the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. John B. Birdsall, Mr. and Mrs. B. Grady Durham, Ms. Jacqueline B. Mars, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest E. Mars, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. John F. Mars, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Charlotte Moss and Barry Friedberg, the Cabell Foundation, the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, the Garden Club of Virginia, and additional individuals, organizations and foundations.
