Few figures loom as large in the founding of the United States as Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third President of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. His mountaintop estate, Monticello, remains one of the most recognizable historic homes in America.
While millions of visitors explore Monticello each year, fewer people are aware that Jefferson’s direct descendants maintain a family organization dedicated to preserving their shared heritage. The Monticello Association is a lineage society composed of descendants of Thomas Jefferson and his wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson.
Founded in 1913, the association works to preserve the Jefferson family graveyard at Monticello, maintain family genealogical records, and foster connections among Jefferson descendants.
Origins of the Monticello Association
The Monticello Association was established by Jefferson descendants in the early twentieth century as a way to formalize family stewardship of the Jefferson family burial ground at Monticello, which lies on the estate grounds near the house itself.
Although Monticello today is owned and operated by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, the family cemetery remains privately owned and administered by the association. Members of the Monticello Association gather periodically for family meetings, historical programs, and commemorations honoring Jefferson and his descendants.
The organization reflects a long tradition among prominent American families of creating hereditary societies dedicated to preserving family history, genealogy, and historic sites.
Who Qualifies for Membership
Membership in the Monticello Association is open to individuals who can demonstrate direct lineal descent from Thomas Jefferson and his wife Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson through one of their daughters.
Thomas and Martha Jefferson had six children, but only two survived to adulthood:
- Martha Jefferson Randolph (1772–1836)
- Mary “Maria” Jefferson Eppes (1778–1804)
All eligible descendants trace their lineage through one of these two daughters.
Applicants must provide documented genealogical proof linking themselves to Jefferson through these family lines. As with many lineage organizations, documentation typically includes birth records, marriage records, wills, family Bible entries, and other historical documents that establish each generation.
How to Join the Monticello Association
Individuals who believe they are descendants of Thomas Jefferson through his daughters may apply for membership by submitting genealogical documentation to the association.
The process generally includes:
- Preparing a documented lineage showing descent from Thomas Jefferson and Martha Jefferson through one of their daughters.
- Submitting an application to the Monticello Association with supporting genealogical evidence.
- Review by the association’s registrar or genealogical committee, which verifies the documentation before approving membership.
Prospective members can find application details and genealogical guidelines on the association’s official website.
Once admitted, members become part of the extended Jefferson family community and may participate in association meetings and family gatherings at Monticello.
Stewardship of the Jefferson Family Cemetery
One of the primary responsibilities of the Monticello Association is the care and preservation of the Jefferson family cemetery.
Located on the Monticello grounds, the cemetery contains the graves of Thomas Jefferson and numerous members of his family. Jefferson himself designed the obelisk monument marking his grave, which bears an inscription listing the achievements he considered most important:
- Author of the Declaration of American Independence
- Author of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
- Father of the University of Virginia
Notably absent from the inscription is his presidency—an omission that reflects Jefferson’s emphasis on intellectual and civic contributions rather than political office.
Genealogy and the Jefferson Family Legacy
The Monticello Association also plays an important role in preserving the genealogical record of Jefferson’s descendants. With thousands of descendants spread across the United States and beyond, maintaining accurate family documentation is an ongoing effort.
Through its work, the association helps preserve a direct link between modern Americans and one of the nation’s founding figures.
A Unique Lineage Society
Among American lineage societies, the Monticello Association occupies a distinctive place. Rather than recognizing military service or colonial settlement, it is focused specifically on family descent from one of America’s most influential founders.
For members, the association provides not only genealogical recognition but also a shared connection to Monticello and the enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson.
Lineage Society History 
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