The Thomas Jefferson exhibition begins with a specially designed introductory area that alerts visitors to the focus of the presentation. Jefferson quotations, taken from a wide variety of sources, are projected on the opening panels and change before the viewer's eyes. Other text demonstrates Jefferson's influence worldwide by excerpting constitutions and declarations of independence from emerging nations in Africa (Zimbabwe, Liberia, Mozambique), South America (Peru, Bolivia), Asia and the Middle East (Vietnam, Israel) and Europe (Czech Republic and Slovakia) as well as the banners used during the Tiananmen Square protest in 1988, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech, the Gettysburg Address and the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights.
The exhibition also features a timeline that delineates Jefferson's career and the context in which he made history. For example, one can see that Napoleon's rise to power and the births of Mozart, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Sojourner Truth occurred during his lifetime. Viewers will also learn that George Washington broke all contact with Jefferson, suspecting him of criticizing the former president in the press (Adams extended the olive branch and initiated the now famous correspondence between the two men.)
Multimedia elements will aid visitors in understanding Jefferson's impact and his world. These include a five-minute compilation of clips from television shows and movies in which Jefferson's words and ideas are quoted by politicians, cartoon characters and film stars (Mitzi Gaynor in "South Pacific," James Stewart in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," Goldie Hawn in "Protocol"). In addition, two interactive stations will enable visitors to search Jefferson's library and explore how his organization worked, the authors he collected and the breadth of his interests. The books still being sought (see main story) will be marked with a placeholder, enabling viewers to see how Jefferson's library looks like in its entirety.
In addition to the book, "Thomas Jefferson" will be accompanied by an interpretive brochure, a film series, noontime presentations led by the curator of the exhibition and guided tours. The audio guide will feature some of the nation's top Jefferson scholars discussing the most controversial and intriguing aspects of his life and achievements.
