Audiovisual Tour Guides
LAURA KAMOIE: JEFFERSON MEMORIAL
A Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing.
She has also co-authored the critically acclaimed and bestselling books My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter.
Adapted from www.laurakamoie.com
In May of 1776, at the age of 33, Thomas Jefferson was one of the youngest members of the Second Continental Congress. A political up-and-comer from Virginia, he was appointed to a small committee tasked with drafting a document to declare that the American colonies were to be free and independent states - absolved from all allegiance to the British crown.
The committee, which included John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, elected Jefferson as the principal drafter of this declaration of independence. Over the days that followed, Jefferson was largely sequestered away writing in his boardinghouse. His quill scratched the paper, black ink unwinding from the tip in an expression of the American mind against the tyranny of Britain.
Jefferson firmly believed in the necessity of ending slavery, yet knew his own hands were stained with his own tyranny. Could he incorporate abolition into this declaration?
Step inside the story of the creation of a document that would shape not only America’s history, but that of the World’s.
“Laura Kamoie draws upon her deep knowledge and appreciation of Thomas Jefferson's unique contributions and deep contradictions in this lively and informative depiction of his role in shaping the foundation of the United States of America. More than that though, she shows us in a moving coda how Jefferson's work on the Declaration of Independence has inspired generations of people seeking the blessings of liberty ever since.”
Lars Hedbor, author of the Tales from a Revolution series
Testimonials
“With beautiful writing and a deep understanding of her subject matter, Laura Kamoie brings life to the young, conflicted, idealist, Thomas Jefferson, in the momentous summer of 1776, when he is asked to write the document that would change his life and forge a new nation.”
Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of Lily of the Nile & The Women of Chateau Lafayette
Other Washington D.C. Tours
BOOKS BY LAURA KAMOIE
America's First Daughter: A Novel (Co-Authored with Stephanie Dray)
"Painstakingly researched, beautifully hewn, compulsively readable -- this enlightening literary journey takes us from Monticello to revolutionary Paris to the Jefferson White House, revealing remarkable historical details, dark family secrets, and bringing to life the colorful cast of characters who conceived of our new nation. A must read." - Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Empress
"[A] triumphant, controversial, and fascinating plunge into the complexities of Revolutionary America, where women held power in subtle ways and men hid dangerous secrets. You'll never look at Jefferson or his legacy the same way again." - C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of Mademoiselle Chanel
My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton (Co-Authored with Stephanie Dray)
“Following their stunning success in America’s First Daughter, Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamois have penned an unforgettable story of the woman behind Hamilton [...] My Dear Hamilton is a masterpiece that is both intimate in detail and epic in scope—a triumph!” - Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Orphan’s Tale
“If you’ve ever wanted to banter with Hamilton or share a dish of tea with the Marquis de Lafayette, open the covers of My Dear Hamilton and step right in to Eliza Hamilton’s parlor [...] The gang’s all there!” - Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The English Wife
Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution's Women:
A Compilation of six authors.
“The French Revolution as you've never read it before--fast-paced, gut-wrenching, and told through the eyes of women who fought and lived it. This is historical fiction at its absolute best!” ―Michelle Moran, author of Madame Tussaud