WILLIAMSBURG — It might sound impossible: a lively debate between a young Thomas Jefferson and an older, presidential version of himself — but it’s not.
“Friends Divided: A Revolutionary in Residence Conversation” will investigate Jefferson’s life, namely the arc of his friendship and rivalry with John Adams. The program at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 comes just in time to welcome Colonial Williamsburg’s newest resident academic, historian Gordon S. Wood, who will be mediating the conversation at the Hennage Auditorium at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.
The program is inspired by Wood’s newest book “Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.” Tickets are $10 after museum admission, a Colonial Williamsburg news release said.
Wood’s appointment is part of the “Revolutionaries in Residence” program, which “allows Colonial Williamsburg opportunities to partner with distinguished figures at the top of their respective fields and crafts,” said Ghislain d’Humiéres, senior vice president of core operations .
Wood is a professor emeritus at Brown University and author of many award-winning texts, including “The Radicalism of the American Revolution,” which won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1993. He has a long list of honors, including the National Humanities Medal.
Wood said he looks forward to questioning both young Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Kurt Smith, and old Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Bill Barker.
“Colonial Williamsburg is the greatest living history museum in the world,” Wood said.
