Focus Hawaii Thomas Jefferson

Authors

• Lance Chase
• Clay Jenkinson

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this unique episode of Focus Hawaii features renowned humanities scholar Clay Jenkinson performing in full character as Thomas Jefferson, offering viewers an unprecedented “interview” with one of America’s most influential founders. Speaking as Jefferson, Jenkinson discusses his early life in Virginia, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, the philosophical grounding of the Revolution, the controversies of equality, his strained relationship with Alexander Hamilton, his aversion to war, the Louisiana Purchase, and his belief in the virtue of the common citizen. He also reflects on the tragedies of his personal life and the contradictions in his moral and political legacy, including slavery. In the final moments, Jenkinson steps out of character to talk about his scholarly work, his upcoming book The Paradox of Thomas Jefferson, and the challenges of interpreting such a complex historical figure.

Length of Video

00:29:45

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

Winter 2-19-1998

Keywords

Lance Chase, Clay Jenkinson, Thomas Jefferson interview, living history portrayal, Declaration of Independence, Jeffersonian philosophy, American Revolution, founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton rivalry, Louisiana Purchase, early American politics, Enlightenment ideals, Jefferson and slavery, Monticello, historical reenactment, humanities scholarship

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Law | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Jenkinson, Clay, "Focus Hawaii Thomas Jefferson" (1998). Focus Hawaii. 146.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/146