THE
MONTICELLO
ASSOCIATION

April 1999 Newsletter

April 20, 1999

Dear Cousins-

     Due to the publicity that has accompanied Dr. Foster's article in the Nov. 5, 1998 Nature, we are making accommodations for journalists at this year's annual meeting. As you recall, Dr. Foster did find similar DNA from a male line of descendants of Field Jefferson (paternal uncle of Th. Jefferson) and a male line of descendants of Eston Hemings (youngest child of Sally Hemings). There is also historical evidence indicating that Th. Jefferson could have fathered one or more of Sally's children. The press is very interested in our reaction to this evidence and the process by which we address whether to acknowledge the eligibility of descendents of Sally Hemings for membership in the Association or for burial in the graveyard. We anticipate having descendants of Eston and Madison Hemings as well as descendants of Thomas Woodson as guests.

     We intend to offer journalists access during a portion of the reception at Monticello Saturday evening. The Foundation's press officer will help us coordinate a time for the press to visit the reception. We will also pick a time and place apart from the reception for anyone who wishes to be interviewed. Those who do not wish to be interviewed may politely decline and refer questions to me as I have been designated spokesman for the Association. At the designated time and place, journalists may interview me for a period of 15 minutes or 30 minutes, or I may hold a press conference.

     We hope that this intense interest is a one-year phenomenon and that future meetings will return to normal family gatherings. The Executive Committee conferred with the Foundation and decided this year it is better to allow the press limited access to our proceedings than to risk their portraying us as a secretive, closed society. Using time during the reception should allow us to conduct business and to socialize without interference during the other events.

     The Executive Committee does not propose a vote on expanding membership or burial rights during the annual business meeting. Additional evidence is being assembled. The Foundation expects to issue a report in about a month, which may shed light on the likelihood of a Jefferson/Hemings liaison. We have retained a property law professor to give a legal opinion on who may be considered "descendants" within the terms of the burial condition placed on our 1923 acquisition of the one-half acre addition. We also wish to confer with genealogists on the use of DNA evidence together with oral history to demonstrate descent for a putative father's out-of-wedlock children, who were unacknowledged by him. Finally, any amendment of our constitution requires a majority vote of all members, and that requires a mail-out ballot to all members. We do anticipate discussion of membership and burial criteria during the business meeting. Motions, resolutions, or straw votes might be presented, but we consider these to be mere preparations for the ultimate vote by the entire membership.

     Dr. Eugene Foster and his wife have confirmed that they will attend. Dr. Foster will speak briefly at our business meeting about his findings and respond to questions. So please attend the annual meeting prepared for serious discussions and without concern for media distractions.

Yours truly,

Bob