The Thomas Jefferson Gardens of Greene County Board is initiating an occasional series entitled, “Understand Democracy.” While the Gardens and Welcome Center serve as Greene County’s Front Door for visitors, one of the original plans was also to provide education and information. The exact title for the building is the Education and Welcome Center.
The initial presentation of the Democracy series will be Sunday, October 31st at 2:00 P.M. at the Welcome Center. Mr. Randy Evans, Executive Director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council will speak about the importance of a free press, and the 1st Amendment.
We know the group of men selected to name Greene County’s center of government chose New Jefferson, (there was already a Jefferson near the current city of Dubuque). The name was chosen because of the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, and his knowledge and respect for agriculture. In addition, we also know from his writings, he highly valued the principles of democracy and the press. In a letter to his friend Lafayette, he states, “The only security of all is in a free press. The force of public opinion cannot be resisted when permitted freely to be expressed. The agitation it produces must be submitted to. It is necessary, to keep the waters pure.”
This presentation is open to the public, with local media persons being invited guests of the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Board.
Due to the Covid pandemic, and the continued mutation of the Covid virus wearing masks will be strongly encouraged.
Group Tours
Bell Tower Festival
Plant Sale
Live Music
Regular events
at the gardens
Gardens are always open
Welcome Center:
10:00 - 4:00 PM Daily
Weekends: May - October
10:00 - 4:00
201 East Lincoln Way
Jefferson, Iowa 50129
The Thomas Jefferson Gardens bring to life the prairies that welcomed Lewis and Clark explorers and early settlers, heritage plants from Monticello, farming practices of Thomas Jefferson’s time, outdoor musical instruments to experience, a children’s garden, and so much more.
Comments