K-12 Education

The Hermitage Education Department equips teachers and teaches students about the Jacksonian Era.

Andrew Jackson’s formal education may have paled in comparison to his predecessors in the White House, but that never stopped him from seeking out the best schools for his adopted son and the many wards he fostered. Jackson always pushed his family to excel in their studies.

Today, The Hermitage shares 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, teachers, and adults.

For more tour information on our K-12 education programs or to make a reservation for your school or class, contact our education director. Due to schedule demands, education groups must have a minimum of 15 students.

Class Prices

$9/student ($7/student for Title 1 schools, $11/student in Junior Docent Program)

$12/non-title I High School/College students

$16/adult; one free teacher/chaperone per ten students

Free/bus drivers

If you would like to reserve a Hands-On-History program or have questions about an existing reservation, please contact: education@thehermitage.com.

Homeschool Day Schedule

Join us this year for our 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! Below is the full schedule of events and descriptions of each day. For questions, please contact Patrick Martin at pmartin@thehermitage.com or 615-889-2941 ex. 241.

Pricing: Adults $16, Children $9 and Family Pass (1 Adult + 3 Children) $40.

November 9—Cotton: From Crop to Cloth

With its towering trees, fragrant flowers, and manicured lawn the Hermitage today looks like a park! But when Jackson purchased the farm in 1804 his focus was on carving out a life from the land. The Hermitage farm was devoted to producing cotton, Jackson’s cash crop, along with corn and other garden crops to sustain the Hermitage family, enslaved and livestock. Today the Hermitage still maintains a cotton patch for guests to see and examine. Enjoy a hands-on approach to learning how cotton was cultivated and transformed from crop to cloth in the 19^th century. Activities will take place at the Cotton Patch and Cabin by the Spring.

December 14—Christmas at The Hermitage

Christmas in 1845 looked similar and different than Christmas today, no matter whether someone was slave or free. For the Jacksons and their family and friends, Christmas was a time of elaborate meals, the exchange of small gifts, and games and musical entertainment. For the enslaved people who lived here, Christmas marked the end of the cotton harvest, an opportunity to visit with family and friends, celebrate occasions like marriage, and receive tools, clothing, and other supplies for the coming year. Christmas at The Hermitage utilizes historic structures and objects and crafts and games to compare and contrast the Christmas celebrations, foods, and entertainments of the Jacksons and the enslaved community. Hot chocolate will be served!

March 22—Ralph E.W. Earl and His Nashville Museum

What makes a museum? Ralph E.W. Earl moved to Nashville to paint portraits of the great hero of the War of 1812 and decided to start a museum while he was here! His museum was a treasure trove of fossils, paintings, and interesting artifacts. Join us as we recreate Ralph E.W. Earl’s Nashville Museum by making portraits, mummies, and laying out their creations in museum fashion—with cases and text labels. Get some hands on experience as a curator, registrar, and interpreter!

May 31—Smell, Touch, & Taste Rachel Jackson’s Garden!

Engage your five senses as you explore The Hermitage’s beautiful garden! Learn about the culinary, medicinal, and beautiful uses of plant material in the gardens as you try out recipes, make medicines, do the laundry, and cultivate flowers and vegetables. Explore a garden typical of the enslaved community and learn more about nutrition and culture in their lives.