"Good God, are the Americans all asleep and tamely giving up their liberties, or are they all turned philosophers, that they don't take immediate vengeance on such miscreants" wrote Benedict Arnold of the Boston Massacre in March 1770. Less than a decade later - after rendering distinguished military services to his country - Arnold would betray that loyalty and provide the British with American troop locations, strengths and supply depositories. Join in the conversation with Jefferson to learn more about Benedict Arnold's journey from patriot to traitor.

The exceptional talents of Bill Barker, who portrays Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg, and Scott Green, who also performs at Williamsburg, will bring to life these famous rivals and their passionate views.

Renowned for his role as Thomas Jefferson at Colonial Williamsburg, Mr. Barker has also portrayed Jefferson at the White House, the Palace of Versailles, in countless television programs, and 16 years starring in Poplar Forest's annual Conversation with Mr. Jefferson.  

Scott Green, a native Virginian, joined the staff at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 1996, beginning as a site interpreter at the Governor's Palace and eventually doing character work portraying such persons as Lord Dunmore, Mann Page, Peyton Randolph and, of course, his favorite Benedict Arnold.

There are two opportunities to experience Poplar Forest's trip back in time. Guests may attend a 1:30 p.m. reception on April 27, socializing with Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Arnold, and then proceed to the Hands-on History Center for the matinee conversation at 2:15 p.m. House tours tickets will be available at a reduced price before or after the matinee conversation. In the evening, both gentlemen will be receiving guests at a second reception beginning at 7 p.m. on the lawn, which includes the opportunity to tour the house. The two will begin their conversation at 8 p.m. in the Hands-on History Center.  Guests will then have an opportunity to ask questions of both gentlemen.   

Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. Tickets can be purchased online at www.poplarforest.org/events, or by calling the Museum Shop at (434) 534-8120. Online ticket sales end at 5 p.m. Friday, April 26. Ticket sales via the Museum Shop continue to Saturday, April 27 unless the performances sell out. 

Visit www.poplarforest.org/events for detailed ticket price information. Ticket prices for adults range from $28 to $37. Youth prices range from $12 to $14. Tickets for the evening performance include the opportunity to walk through Jefferson's house where guides are stationed during the reception. 

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Poplar Forest is a National Historic Landmark recently added to the United States nominations to become a World Heritage Site. The property is regarded as an important example of historic restoration and archaeological research, and is open for tours, events and school programs daily March 15 through December 30, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Poplar Forest is also open for "Winter Weekends" mid-January through mid-March. Closed on Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.poplarforest.org or call (434) 525-1806.