Help General Andrew Jackson celebrate his 250th birthday with a special day of all his favorite things. Activities designed specifically for K-12 audiences include horse racing, military life, and even chocolate! Listen to the Founding Fathers pay their birthday greetings to our seventh president and make a wreath to hang at Jackson’s tomb. The day begins at 9:00 am and ends at 3:00 pm. Stay for as long as you like!

Highlights include:

• Meet Presidents George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe as they come to give President Andrew Jackson birthday greetings! They will speak about their experiences in office and the responsibility Jackson inherited from them. Photo-op with classes afterward.


• Learn about Jackson’s favorite sport–horse racing! Meet animals and trainers who will talk about how to raise, train, and take care of race horses.


• Make a wreath to place on General Jackson’s grave!


• Visit six activity stations to learn more about Jackson’s favorite things!


• 10:00—Birthday Greetings from the Founding Fathers


• 11:30—Horse Racing at The Hermitage


• 2:00— Hickory Pole Raising

About the Activity Stations:

• American Heritage Chocolate™ Chocolate in America—Andrew Jackson’s favorite food was chocolate! For his birthday celebration, Miss Judy will lead your students through the history of chocolate, from the plant to the dining room. Samples of hot chocolate will be available.


• Soldier Life—Andrew Jackson relished military life, and preferred the title “General Jackson” to “President Jackson.” Visit Tennessee Militiamen of the War of 1812 as they show students the typical outfitting of a soldier of the War of 1812. Students can make a shako—one of the distinctive, tall helmets of the War—to take with them. Remember to share your best shakos at #showyourshakoAJ on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. The Hermitage is @7thpresident.


• Horses and Racing—Horses are critical to every part of life in early Tennessee, from farming to sports. Andrew Jackson was so enthusiastic about horses, he helped to establish the early blood lines of racehorses in Middle Tennessee. Learn about the parts of a horse and his tack. Join us at 11:30 in the Orchard Field to watch racehorses run a steeplechase!


• Political Campaigns—Jackson enjoyed the fast-paced complexity of politics in America. People across the country had a unique way of showing their support for Jackson by raising a Hickory Pole! Students will create campaign paraphernalia to attach to the hickory pole or take with them. Join us at 2:00 at Education to raise the Hickory Pole!


• Clover Bottom General Store—One of Jackson’s lesser-known careers was a merchant and storekeeper. In his time, British currency was common in use on the American frontier. Practice buying and selling in the General Store using British currency and learn about trade on the frontier.


• Wreath-Making—Each year on March 15, the President of the United States sends a beautiful wreath to commemorate Andrew Jackson’s birthday. Students can make their own tribute to President Jackson, which they can take or leave at Jackson’s tomb.

Prices:

The fee is $9 per student or $7 for Title 1 students. One free chaperone is allowed for each ten students. Additional adults are $16 each. Picnic space is available on a first come/first-served basis.

For reservations, contact the Education Department at 615-889-2941 x243 or eadams@thehermitage.com

Party Favors:

A commemorative ticket will be issued to each student that includes a coupon for a free child admission with one paid adult admission.

An abbreviated version of these events will be featured on Wednesday, March 15 as part of the Public Celebration of Andrew Jackson’s 250th birthday. Fees that day are half-price off standard admission. For more information regarding the March 15 activities, contact the Education Department at 615-889-2941 x243 or eadams@thehermitage.com.