An Overview of the Monticello Memoirs Program

Monticello Memoirs is an annual event intended to capture for posterity the story of the information technology revolution in the words of the men and women who are living it. It aims to recognize, challenge and inspire these indivuduals; to encourage them to continue their work; and, by their example, to encourage others to follow in their footsteps.

Monticello Memoirs brings together a very special collection of human talent, the pioneers of the information technology revolution. These men and women gather at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, for several days of reflection and discussion around Mr. Jefferson's table.

At the inaugural event in 1996, information technology pioneers Seymour Cray, Gordon Moore, Gordon Bell, Jay Forrester and Robert Metcalfe were asked to consider, for the record, their roles in the digital revolution, their current activities, and their vision of the future. These and other topics were explored in private conversations at Monticello and in public discussions on the grounds of the University of Virginia--which Mr. Jefferson founded, designed and built.

A selection of lectures from the 1996 Monticello Memoirs are available on this site; in the coming weeks, additional material will be added.

The Monticello Memoirs program is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, which archives a priceless collection of material from each year's event. Monticello Memoirs began in 1996 with underwriting from Price Waterhouse and Novell, Inc. This year's gathering has been sponsored jointly by Price Waterhouse and SAP America, Inc.

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