“Founding Friendships” Specialty Tour

Founding American presidents

The new Highland specialty tour, Founding Friendships, examines the often complicated relationship between James Monroe and other founding presidents. Monroe personally knew and corresponded with all the founding presidents: George Washington, John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Initially united in the common cause of the American Revolution, the formation of political parties created change and division among these fellow patriots. Their interactions ranged from shopping requests to Monroe being twice fired. Excerpts from their letters reveal how the relationships changed over time, and how James Monroe handled the ups and downs of these founding friendships. The Founding Friendships tour will be offered on Monday and Thursday at, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.