Friends, Foes, & Frenemies

Monticello, the Adams Presidential Center, and the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library welcomed educators to the LBJ Library on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, for a unique professional development opportunity that examined the complexities of navigating political relationships in Revolutionary and modern history.

Friends, Foes, & Frenemies explored the complicated relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson—from allies in 1776 to bitter political rivals and, eventually, friends again in retirement—as well as the well-known relationship between President Johnson and Martin Luther King Jr. The two were allies in the fight for civil rights but held opposing views on the conflict in Vietnam. Participants also considered how examining relationships like these could inspire students to engage in civil discourse. Teachers left with strategies and resources they could immediately implement in the classroom.

The day of learning concluded with the public event Founding Friends, Founding Foes, hosted by Dr. Jane Kamensky and Kurt Graham and co-hosted by the LBJ Library, Adams Presidential Center, and Monticello in the LBJ Library Atrium.

Details:

• The workshop was free and open to all educators, with registration required.
• A $100 substitute teacher subsidy was provided to each attendee's institution or school.
• Dinner was provided.
• Participants received a certificate for 8 CPE hours.