James Madison's Birthday with Mary Bilder and David Stewart at the Library of Congress

I haven't been back to the Library of Congress since I retired on February 3rd. Before I left, I signed up to receive emails about programs and presentations that are routinely scheduled there. Today is James Madison's 265th birthday, and to celebrate it, the Law Library had a panel discussion about Mr. Madison. Since the metro system was shut down for a 24 period last evening, I called this morning to make sure the event was not canceled. One of the speakers wouldn't be there, but the show would go on. So my husband and I walked two blocks from our house, passed through security, and rode the elevator to the sixth floor. I knew the security officers, and saw familiar faces at the lecture, but didn't run in to anyone else that I worked with. The speakers were so animated and interesting the time flew by, even though there wasn't a lot of talk about his personal life. This afternoon there is supposed to be birthday cake in Madison Hall to celebrate the real reason for the affair. Unfortunately we will miss that. When we walked home it seemed weird the think that all we have to do is walk a few steps to hear and see such great programs. I may just like living, rather than working, in Washington DC. 

An Afternoon With The Madison's and Roger Mudd at McLean Community Center

We learned about the event a couple weeks ago when we went for breakfast at our favorite place at McLean Family Restaurant right off Dolley Madison Boulevard. The announcement was posted in the window and looked like an interesting idea. So we asked our friend to join us and we rode out to McLean Community Center to visit with Dolley and James Madison. The McLean Community Center was packed with people waiting to get a free ticket and enter the auditorium. We ended up in the balcony and had a good view. Roger Mudd gave the introduction. He was very charming and his voice sounded so familiar. From then on I can only say that I was glad that we went but was so happy when it ended. It was really warm, I couldn't hear a thing, and was just hoping it would end. I do have to say that the fizzy lemonade at the reception was quite good. All in all, I'm glad we did go having just been to Montpelier a few months ago. We saw where the real James and Dolley lived. It is hard to believe that this city was burned, and the Capitol building is only two blocks from where we live. Sometimes using your imagination is more interesting than going to these types of things. I need to keep that in mind the next time we see a flyer for an event. 

 

Montpelier - James Madison's Home

We had not taken a day trip for awhile, so decided it might be a good time to go back to Montpelier since it was renovated to it's original state. James Madison's home is located in between Culpeper and Monticello and is about a two hour drive from Washington DC. We visited there when we first moved to DC, but at the time the house was being renovated from the pink DuPont monstrosity back to the original state, so there was not much to see. Even though it was dreary outside today, the trip was fun because our dear friend came along with us. And that always makes it more entertaining. Along the way we saw a tree full of turkey vultures, and on the way back they were feasting on a deer carcass. After all, Montpelier is out in the sticks, surrounded by a retired thoroughbred horse farm established by the last owners, the DuPonts. But our journey was to learn more about the behind the scenes man who seemed to be out shined by his more verbose, vivacious, and likable wife Dolly. And, I work at the Library of Congress where there is a Montpelier Room, and is also home to the Madison papers. There is even a statue of him in Madison Hall in the Madison Building. You do come away with an even greater respect for the guy, but for some reason, he seems to be lost among the more prominent kinsmen of the time.  It makes you wonder how one moved about when all this important stuff was being discussed. And once you arrived you stayed for awhile. At least now it only takes two hours rather then three days. Some things have changed, but his thoughtful contributions to our American history have not.