HERMITAGE HOMESCHOOL DAYS!!

New for 2017-2018!Upcoming Hermitage Homeschool DaysAugust 17, 2017 – Get Back to Nature!   
Did you know Jackson’s name for his home, “hermitage,” means “retreat?” Explore the over 1,100 acres of land, nature trail, and formal garden and see why this name remains perfect to describe the Hermitage landscape! When selecting his land Jackson wasn’t only looking at the beauty of it, but how abundant the resources were on the property. Is water nearby? Will the soil produce crops? Is the game plentiful? Spend time with Hermitage educators learning about how plants were used in the home, conduct your own soil test, and have an up close encounter with feathered friends who call Middle Tennessee home. All activities will take place at the Cabin by the Spring.
November 10, 2017 – Crop to Cloth: Fiber Arts at the Hermitage
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 19thcentury. Activities will take place at the Cotton Patch and Cabin by the Spring.
March 16, 2018 – Creating A Home: Decorative Arts
From farmhouse to mansion the Jackson’s relied on decorative arts and architectural details to embellish their home on the frontier. French wallpaper and faux finishes on wood trim were just a few of the many artistics touches found in both of their residences. Discover the designer in you by creating your own decorative art similar to those found at the Hermitage and used in early American life. Activities will take place at the First Hermitage farmhouse and the Education Building.
June 1, 2018 – Statehood!
On June 1, 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state to join the Union. Celebrate the state’s 222 birthday with Hermitage educators! Hear about Jackson’s role in forming the state and his political leadership in its beginnings. Practice your skills as a lawmaker and campaigner. Learn about our state symbols and see if you can find them among the Hermitage grounds. We may even fine tune our dancing skills to the Tennessee Waltz! Activities will take place at the Education Building.
Admission
Admission to Homeschool Days is $40 per family. This price includes five family members, including those under the age of six. Additional admissions may be added for the discounted rate of $16/adult and $9/student. Additional children under five are free.
Advanced ticket purchase recommended. Preorder your tickets here.
Admission includes Homeschool Days program, an interpreter-led tour of the mansion, self-guided tour of the Hermitage grounds, exhibit galleries, and film.  Pack a picnic lunch and eat at the tables available on the property, or eat onsite in The Kitchen Cabinet Café.
The Hermitage also offers Hands on History programs for homeschool groups of 15 or more students. For more information on Homeschool Days or Hands on History programs please email education@thehermitage.com.