Homeschoolers & Scouts
The Hermitage offers fun and engaging educational opportunities to homeschoolers and scouting groups. Because Homeschool and Scout groups value independent learning and free-choice activities, we offer variations on our regular programs designed with you in mind.
Homeschool Days
From learning military drills to celebrating the holidays at The Hermitage, our Homeschool Days are full of interactive activities and learning opportunities for the whole family! For questions, please contact our Education Department or call 615-889-2941 ext. 241.
Homeschool Days are most suited for learners aged 5-10, but family members of all ages are welcome! Events are come-and-go from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets include access to The Hermitage grounds, museum, film and educational activities. Mansion tours are only available with a ticket upgrade, subject to availability. Picnic space is available. Dogs are welcome on the grounds and are free to walk, run and play while leashed on our site. Please bring bags to dispose of pet waste. Advanced tickets are recommended but not required.
Admission & Schedule
Admission to Homeschool Days is $48 per family, per date. This price includes four family members (one adult + three children), including those under the age of 4. Additional admissions may be added for the discounted rate of $19/adult and $11/student. Additional children 0-4 years old are free. Prices for adult tickets are set to increase in February 2023.
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November 18, 2022
Crop to Cloth: Cotton at The Hermitage: In the 1800s, cotton was king! It made the Jacksons a considerable amount of money, but it was hard to grow at The Hermitage and demanded hard work from the enslaved people. We will explore how cotton was produced and how it became America’s favorite fabric. Activities include dyeing, spinning and weaving and even math!
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December 9, 2022
Christmas at The Hermitage: Andrew Jackson’s plantation was home to two communities: the Jackson family and friends, as well as the enslaved people who worked for them. Each community celebrated the holiday season in their own unique ways. Join us as we explore Christmas traditions, compare and contrast décor, food, games and gifts, taste Jackson’s favorite holiday treats and make an ornament to take home. The Hermitage mansion will be included in the December program for no additional charge.
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February 17, 2023
Making a Museum with Ralph E.W. Earl: Ralph E.W. Earl moved to Nashville to paint a portrait of the famous General Jackson. He married into the Jackson family and lived at The Hermitage. He opened the Nashville Museum of “natural history and curiosities.” Help us recreate Earl’s museum! Activities include portrait painting, mummy making, curating exhibitions and leading tours of our own museum.
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April 7, 2023
Creating a Fine Home: In Andrew Jackson’s time, wealthy families wanted their homes to look fancy and expensive without spending much money. Artists designed tricks to help them do that. There are secrets built right into the furniture, the wallpaper and even the fireplaces. Join us as we try to master the techniques of the free and enslaved craftsmen who built the Jacksons’ fine home.
Wear clothing appropriate for art projects!
Scouting Groups
Any program can be reserved by a scouting group. Like K12 groups, we can bring a program to your troop or den, or you may visit us at The Hermitage. Scouts will receive a patch at the conclusion of their visit. More programs that specifically meet badge requirements are currently in development.
The Hermitage also offers Hands on History programs for Homeschool and Scouting groups of 15 or more students. For more information on Homeschool Days or Hands on History programs, contact us.
Pricing
Groups over 15 Scouts
For groups of less than 15, contact our Director of Education at 615-889-2941 ex. 243.
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Scouts$11/scout
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Adults$22/adult
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Non-participating children ages 6-12$10/child
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One free teacher/chaperone per ten ScoutsFree
Homework Help
Are you struggling to write a research paper? Find any reliable sources about Andrew Jackson and Jacksonian America? It can be tough. We’ve got some information to help you get started!
History Day Projects
Are you developing a National History Day project? We can provide interviews, resource recommendation and mentoring. Contact our Education Department.