'All Men are Created Equal' at 250: Thomas Jefferson's Perpetual Revolution
In this one-man theatrical presentation, Thomas Jefferson traces the extraordinary journey of the idea that "all men are created equal." Beginning in antiquity, flowering in the Enlightenment, and culminating in the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson reveals how this revolutionary principle evolved into a scientific, ethical, and political foundation for a new nation.
Speaking candidly, Jefferson acknowledges that the legal recognition of equality was incomplete in 1776. Yet he insists that the Declaration's promise has always embraced all of humanity, across every generation. The words were written not merely for a moment in history, but for a progression to futurity.
Though the performance remains within the boundaries of Jefferson's lifetime, it reaches far beyond it in meaning. Jefferson explains how the Declaration reflects his personal philosophy that the earth belongs to the living, not the dead. Each generation, he argues, inherits not only the rights secured by the founding generation, but also the responsibility to reexamine, refine, and renew them.
This compelling portrayal challenges audiences to see the American experiment not as a finished achievement, but as an ongoing obligation—calling every generation to learn from the past, confront its failures, and carry the promise of equality closer to its fulfillment.
As with every program offered by Steve Edenbo, Thomas Jefferson concludes by answering the audience's questions about his life, experiences, decisions, and ideas.
This event is part of the JES's USA 250 Event Series.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Thursday, February 12, 7-8:30PM
Admission: $15, $25 with guest
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
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While earning his BA from Dickinson College, Steve Edenbo’s focus was research and writing, His theater experience included improvisation, and training in voice and singing. Mr. Edenbo was introduced to American Historical Theatre in 1999. He bases his interpretation of Thomas Jefferson on the insight that comes from continuing years of research and reflection, for which he was awarded a Research Fellowship at Monticello in 2008 by the International Center for Jefferson Studies. Steven also has the honor of interpreting Thomas Jefferson at Philadelphia’s Declaration House, a re-creation by Independence National Historical Parks of the building in which Jefferson lived and wrote the Declaration of Independence. He is the only person invited to interpret Thomas Jefferson at this historic site.
Mr. Edenbo shares Jefferson’s love of reading, writing, and good wine, as well as a love of the outdoors and the need to balance intimate friendships with solitude.
In 2025, the History Channel released a 6-part documentary on the life of Thomas Jefferson in which Mr. Edenbo starred in the title role. In 2026 he will be featured again as Thomas Jefferson in a documentary produced by Craig Fergusson- release date TBA.
Mr. Edenbo has interpreted Thomas Jefferson at venues that include Monticello; The National Archives, DC and NYC; Independence National Historical Park: Independence Hall, Declaration House, Congress Hall and City Tavern; The Smithsonian Institution; National Constitution Center; University of Virginia; The Jefferson Education Society; Founding Forward; Carpenter’s Hall; Hamilton Grange National Memorial; Federal Hall National Memorial; the Philly Pops at Independence Hall; Texas A & M International University; Academy of Natural Sciences; and numerous middle and high schools and colleges, and at professional improvement seminars for Judges, Lawyers, and Educators at locations throughout the United States.
