Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Jennifer A. Lyon has a diverse work experience in various roles and organizations. Jennifer A. started their career as a Curatorial Intern at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2011. Later that year, they worked as an Independent Contractor at the Smithsonian Institution. In 2012, they joined the University of Florida as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and also served as a Senior Staff and Graduate Coordinator at The Samuel Proctor Oral History Program.
From 2012 to 2015, Jennifer worked as a Teaching Associate at the University of Florida and concurrently served as an Adjunct Professor at Santa Fe College from 2013 to 2015. In 2016, they joined the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a Social Media Manager and later became a Content Strategist.
Most recently, Jennifer worked at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, starting as a Communications Officer in 2018. Jennifer A. then progressed to the role of Marketing & Communications Manager and is currently serving as the Director of Marketing & Communications since October 2022.
Jennifer A. Lyon holds a PhD in American History and Museum Studies from the University of Florida. Jennifer A. also obtained a MA in American History from the same institution. Jennifer A.'sundergraduate degree is a BS in History and Political Science, with a minor in Leadership Studies, from Kansas State University. Jennifer was part of the University Honors Program and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Recently, in 2019, they completed a Digital Media & Marketing Certificate at Duke University.
Thomas Jefferson Foundation
The Thomas Jefferson Foundation (formerly the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation) owns and operates Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson and the only home in America on the elite World Heritage List of the United Nations. Incorporated in 1923, after the federal government waived its third opportunity to acquire Monticello for the nation, the Foundation purchased the house and land from the Levy family, stewards of the estate for 89 years. As a private, nonprofit organization, the Foundation receives no regular federal or state budget support for its twofold mission of preservation and education. Since 1923, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has steadily expanded its role as a museum and educational institution. Its facilities now include the house and gardens on nearly 2,000 of Jefferson's original 5,000 acres; the Robert H. Smith International Center for Jefferson Studies next door at Kenwood, a headquarters for Jeffersonian research and teaching and home to the Jefferson Library; and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, which propagates heirloom varieties and makes them available to institutions and individuals. The David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center and Smith Education Center hosts state-of-the art exhibits for visitors of all ages. It serves as the gateway to Jefferson’s timeless Monticello, preparing guests for their trips to the historic mountaintop through dynamic content presenting fresh perspectives on Monticello and the enduring significance of Jefferson’s life and ideas. About a half a million people visit Monticello each year.