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Humboldt and Jefferson: Transatlantic Exchange of Knowledge and Ideas
Please join the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany for a discussion between Dr. Andrew O’Shaughnessy (Saunders Director of the ICJS and Vice President of Monticello) and Dr. Sandra Rebok on the significance of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander von Humboldt for the sciences and transatlantic relationship.
Meeting President Jefferson in Washington was certainly a highlight for the Prussian explorer Alexander von Humboldt during his visit to the United States in spring 1804. The personal encounter between these enlightened minds and the knowledge and ideas they exchanged have raised great interest on both sides of the Atlantic. However, some doubts still persist as to Humboldt's reasons for this visit, the nature of the information he gave Jefferson, the reasons for this generosity, and how useful it was for the president's strategic pursuits at this time. Dr. Rebok will address these questions based on latest research results and discuss the significance of Humboldt and Jefferson for the sciences and the transatlantic relationship in our times.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the US
