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 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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
Homeschool Days are designed for families with elementary-age students. They happen rain or shine, and tickets are NONREFUNDABLE. Picnics and leashed animals are welcome on the grounds only. Tickets are $11 per student and $20 per adult. Family rates (up to 2 adults and 3 children) are available for $50 for non-members or $40 for members. Children ages 0-4 are free but do require a ticket.
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November 17, 2023
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! This program does not include a tour of The Hermitage Mansion.
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December 15, 2023
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 is included in the December program.
Homeschool Days are designed for families with elementary-age students. They happen rain or shine, and tickets are NONREFUNDABLE. Picnics and leashed animals are welcome on the grounds only. Tickets are $14 per student and $23 per adult. Family rates (up to 2 adults and 3 children) are available for $60 for non-members or $50 for members. Children ages 0-4 are free but do require a ticket.
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April 12, 2024
Springtime on the Plantation: In spring, the Earth wakes up! Wildlife emerges from hibernation, fish return to creeks, and birds begin to make a stir. For plantation owners, spring was a time to plant crops, plan gardens and set goals for the coming year. Join as we explore the types of wildlife at The Hermitage as well as the many types of work enslaved people were performing for the Jacksons. This program does not include a tour of The Hermitage Mansion.
Homeschool Workshops
From learning military drills to celebrating the holidays at The Hermitage, our Homeschool workshops are two-hour, focused classes on various topics, specifically developed for secondary students in grades 6-12! For questions, please contact our Education Department or call 615-889-2941 ext. 241.
Homeschool Workshops are designed for older students in grades 6-12. These two-hour programs are intensive courses designed for students to explore topics such as the U.S. Constitution, economics and the American presidency. Each workshop includes all materials and instruction, as well as access to The Hermitage’s grounds, museum and film. Mansion Tours can be added to the workshop for a small fee, subject to availability. Homeschool Workshops run from 10 a.m. to noon.
Admission & Schedule
Homeschool Workshops are designed for secondary students in grades 6 – 12. Parents and younger siblings may enjoy the site while older students attend the workshop. Tickets are $25 per student and happen rain or shine and are NONREFUNDABLE. General admission rates apply to parents and siblings. Children ages 0-4 are free but do require a ticket.
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September 15, 2023
Constitution 101: What is a constitution, and what’s so important about the United States having one? Students in grades 7-12 are welcome to join us for a workshop on the United States Constitution. Activities include examining the Constitution’s source materials, as well as the final document and using it to draft a personal constitution. Each student will receive a personal copy of the Constitution of the United States of America.
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January 12, 2024
War of 1812: Necessary or Not? Join us as we explore the causes and impact of the War of 1812. General Andrew Jackson’s successes, first against the Creek Nation and later against Great Britain, depend on his strategic abilities. Citizens across the nation benefitted from Jackson’s astounding victories…or they didn’t. Students will discuss the military and political strategies of the war and its relevance for the nation in 1815 and 2024.
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February 16, 2024
The Corrupt Bargain: Jackson’s Presidential Elections As we approach the 2024 presidential election season, we begin to form opinions on how campaigns are conducted and not just on the candidates. How do Jackson and his challengers live up to the types of candidate behavior we see today? Does the Constitution have anything to say on how elections run? What do we do when the election doesn’t produce a winner? Let’s talk about all things voting!
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.