Humboldt and Jefferson: Transatlantic exchange of knowledge and ideas
- Humboldt and Jefferson: Transatlantic exchange of knowledge and ideas” (gemeinsame Veranstaltung der Deutschen Botschaft in Washington mit ICJS (International Center for Jefferson Studies)
Gespräch zwischen: Dr. Sandra Rebok und Dr. Andrew O’Shaughnessy (Saunders Director of the ICJS und Vice President of Monticello)
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 of 1804. The personal encounter of both enlightened minds, and the knowledge and ideas they exchanged, has raised much interests on both sides of the Atlantic. However, some doubts still persist concerning Humboldt´s reasons for this visit, the nature of the information he facilitated Jefferson, the reasons for this generosity, and how useful it was for 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.