A Costumed Historical Interpreter talks to a school group.
Andrew Jackson’s education paled in comparison to his predecessors in the White House, but Jackson understood the value of education. Jackson sought out the best schools for his adopted son and many wards and always pushed them in their studies. Today, The Hermitage continues Jackson’s belief in the value of education with a wealth of excellent and challenging educational opportunities for school groups, children on summer break, scouts, and adults too.
We have a number of educational opportunities, just click on the heading!
The Hermitage is proud to offer all of our Hands-on-History classes year-round (with the exception of Junior Docents)! We have the following classes available for students. Click the class title for the downloadable unit!
-Half the fun of archaeology is to uncover items from the past - but there's more to archaeology than just digging! In this deductive reasoning-based program, students (3rd-6th grade) will uncover objects in a simulated excavation based on actual archaeological digs at The Hermitage and create a narrative of the lives of those who lived at The Hermitage based on the objects they find. Older students (7th-12th grade) will use hand-held GPS units to uncover clues and strategies to solve archaeological problems.
-Explore how a 19th century Christmas was similar to - and different from - Christmas today with "Christmas at The Hermitage." Christmas hasn't always been about presents, after all. Students will make an ornament to take home with them.
-Before Jackson ran for president, did you know he also ran one of the first general stores in middle Tennessee? This program uses primary sources such as account records and order slips to create word problems based on each grade's math standards. With each correct answer, students take Jackson closer to New Orleans for supplies!
-Drama! Intrigue! Scandal! The Presidential Election of 1824 was the most hotly-contested presidential election in American history to that time. The Corrupt Bargain takes an interactive look at the election that questioned whether our country is a democracy or a republic. Students will be able to see a revolutionary nation come into its own.
General's Children (downloadable unit coming soon)
-No XBox. No PS3. No Nintendo DS. No email. No cell phones. What in the world did kids do to stay busy in the 19th century? This program shows the life of a child growing up at The Hermitage.
The Importance of Andrew Jackson (downloadable unit coming soon)
-There is plenty of debate about where Andrew Jackson ranks among the best presidents in our country's history, but it cannot be understated that he was one of our most important presidents. This program examines the life and legacy of Andrew Jackson, and why he still matters today.
-Students must use all their senses in order to discover the purpose of 19th century objects in this truly hands-on program. Utilizing those objects as a springboard to discuss daily life in Jacksonian America, students will discover just how different life once was!
Nullification! (downloadable unit coming soon)
-How much power should each state hold compared to our national government? Before the Civil War, there was the Nullification Crisis involving South Carolina's nullification of federal law, a battle in Congress, and the failing economy - all culminating in a threat to secede from the Union. How did Jackson deal with the issue of states' rights? Students will explore the growing tensions between the states, and the first fight leading to the Civil War 30 years later.
-The question over the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States had loomed over the country for almost 40 years. When Andrew Jackson was elected in 1828, he brought the promise to reform government with him, and the Bank of the United States was on his list. In a protracted battle over a national banking system, Jackson reshaped not only the nation's economy, but also the role of the Office of the President.
-At the peak of The Hermitage's production, Andrew Jackson owned about 150 slaves. How does one become a slave? How could widespread slavery happen in a country built on freedom? What would life be like for a slave at The Hermitage? The questions are addressed in Slavery at The Hermitage, and students will make and take home a beaded bracelet in memory of the enslaved.
-Examining one of the darkest chapters in the United States' history, the Trail of Tears program takes students back to the foundation of our country to see how the citizens - and our government - interacted with Native Americans. From the purchase of Manhattan by the Dutch through the Indian Removal Act to the forced Cherokee removal in the Trail of Tears, students will learn not only how removal happened, but why. Students will also take home an Indian Blanket flower to plant.
-The Hermitage's most popular Hands-on-History program is back with expanded dates to accommodate demand! This is a special opportunity for students to perform as junior tour guides on the grounds of The Hermitage. After learning background information (sent in advance), students will dress in period costumes provided by The Hermitage. Junior Docents interpret up to 28 stations on the property for visitors, and is a great way for students to develop self-esteem, confidence, and public speaking skills as they learn about Andrew Jackson and the history of The Hermitage.
Other classes currently "in production" - Revolution in the Carolinas, the Battle of New Orleans
The Hermitage is proud to unveil a new educational initiative: Reinforcing American History through Electronic Learning (RACHEL), our new webconferencing program. Teachers who are facing high transportation costs, limited classroom time, or are too far away for an on-site visit (or all of the above) can now participate in an online, interactive educational program with The Hermitage's Education Department!
We also offer free overviews for teachers and administrators of our Education program via webconferencing.
If you have further questions, or want to schedule your webconference, email
today!
We will be offering overviews of the Education/webconferencing program throughout the summer and upcoming school year - call or email to schedule your free overview!
Transportation costs giving you the pox? Try our new Travelin' Classroom program. Available for grades 3-12, these 45-60 minute standards-based hands-on programs bring an educator from The Hermitage directly to your classroom! Cost is just $4 per student, and mileage is included for MNPS and Wilson County schools. Title I discounts are available. We will be happy to accommodate multiple class periods in a day, so your entire grade can engage in an interactive program with The Hermitage without ever leaving the classroom!
Available classes: Slavery at The Hermitage, Trail of Tears, I Spy the Past, Andrew Jackson and the Bank War, The Corrupt Bargain, Clover Bottom General Store, and Archaeology at The Hermitage.
"This has become a rich tradition for fourth graders at Oak Hill, and it is the perfect extension of our study of Tennessee and Andrew Jackson."
A Junior Docent at the Hermitage Garden.
Lynn Durham - Oak Hill School, Nashville
"The students felt as though they were peeking in on the past." Marian Oonk - Grassland Elementary, Brentwood
The Hermitage’s Hands-on-History Classes are very popular with teachers and students alike. These classes are designed to meet the curriculum standards of Tennessee schools and those of nearby states. Hermitage Hands-on-History Classes combine one hour of classroom teaching through fun, engaging, standards-based and hands-on activities with a tour of The Hermitage Mansion and grounds. The result is an educational experience that school children will not soon forget and memories that will spark a lifelong interest in history.
Download our FAQ for scheduling your Hands-on-History experience!
Hands-on-History Class Policy Reservations are required. Fee includes a one hour class and admission to the introductory film, museum gallery, and tour of the Hermitage mansion, and the grounds. One chaperone is required for every ten school children in a group.
Fees per person (groups of 15 or more):
Hands-on-History Class & Tour: $7.00 K-8th; $10 high school & college Junior Docent Hands-on-History Class: $9.00 K-8th Hands-on-History Class only: $5.00 K-8th; $8 high school & college Required Chaperones (1 per 10 students): Free Chaperones over limit: $12.00
Adult Fees One adult per 10 students will be admitted free with a minimum of 20 students. Teachers count as chaperones. All adults over the free limit will be charged the discounted group rate of $12.00 each. This fee includes the film, museum gallery, and tour of the mansion and grounds.
To make a reservation contact: Education Department The Hermitage Home of President Andrew Jackson 4580 Rachel’s Lane Nashville, TN 37076 Phone 615-889-2941 ext. 243; Fax 615-889-9289 E-mail:
Tour Only Policy Reservations are required. Fee includes admission to introductory film, museum gallery, the Hermitage mansion, and the grounds. One chaperone is required for every ten school children in a group. Required chaperones receive free admission. Please note that teachers count as chaperones. View The Hermitage’s Tour Only Pre-Visit Information.
Fees per person (groups of 15 or more):
Elementary Students: $5.00 High School & College Students: $8.00 Required Chaperones (1 per 10 children): Free Chaperones over limit: $12.00
To make a reservation contact: Visitor Services Manager The Hermitage Home of President Andrew Jackson 4580 Rachel’s Lane Nashville, TN 37076 Phone 615-889-2941 ext. 212 Fax 615-889-9909 E-mail
The Hermitage offers four excellent programs for Scouts. These 2-3 hour programs are available year-round except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. All programs include admission to the Hermitage introductory film, museum gallery, tour of the mansion and grounds, program materials, and The Hermitage Scout Patch.
Detailed information on the programs and associated fees is listed below. Reservations are required.
PROGRAMS
Nature Walk Scouts will explore the grounds of The Hermitage and observe birds, trees, flowers, plants and wildlife on the property. Using a map and a list of discovery questions, they will look for nature’s treasures in the one-acre garden, around the property, and on the “Nature Trail.” Substantial walking is required for this program.
Recommended Ages: Grades K-6
Local History at The Hermitage
Scouts will learn about the history of The Hermitage and President Andrew Jackson by listening, observing, and inquiring. Using the list of questions provided, they must pay close attention to their surroundings to gather the answers. Answers can be found in the Hermitage introductory film, exhibits, mansion, grounds, and signs. It’s a great interactive way to learn about the history of the seventh president and his home.
Recommended Ages: Grades 4-6
Scavenger Hunt
The scavenger hunt at The Hermitage has been expanded to include things inside the Visitor Center, museum, mansion, and throughout the property as well as many things to find in nature. Two separate lists are provided to accommodate a wide range of ages. Scout leaders will determine how much of the lists to include in the hunt. Scouts will search for personal items such as Rachel Jackson's necklace, Andrew Jackson's eyeglasses or things such as a Ginko tree leaf on the grounds or a butterfly in the garden. Scouts will use their senses of sight, hearing, smelling, and touching to find many of the items on the nature list. To earn The Hermitage Scout patch, participants must tour the grounds with the leader and search for things on the list(s) provided. Recommended Ages: Grades K- 6
Hike Into The Past Take the challenge of hiking The Hermitage grounds! Scouts will follow a map of the property and visit various sites on the grounds. At each designated site, scouts will learn interesting historical information and receive a fact sheet for the location. The fact sheets will be assembled to make a scrapbook at the end of the hike. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle! There’s a lot of walking! Recommended Ages: Grades 4 and up
Fees:
Groups with less than 15 Scouts: Scout Rate: $8.00 Adults: $12.00 Tag-A-Long Children: $5.00 (This rate applies to children ages 6-12 who are not scouts.)
Groups with 15 or more Scouts: Scout Rate: $7.00 Adults: One free adult for 10 scouts. All other adults: $12.00 Tag-A-Long Children: $5.00 (This rate applies to children ages 6-12 who are not scouts.)
Note: Fees and free adults based on actual number of participants, not reserved number.
Discover 
Reservations are required. Fee includes admission to introductory film, museum gallery, the Hermitage mansion, and the grounds. One chaperone is required for every ten school children in a group. Required chaperones receive free admission. Please note that teachers count as chaperones.
