NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Andrew Jackson Foundation, which owns and operates The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's historic home and presidential site, today announced its lineup of fall events, featuring seasonal experiences that highlight history, Halloween traditions, and the historic landscape.
The lineup offers myriad opportunities to enjoy the grounds in the height of Autumn. From Halloween-themed activities to social and educational events, the Fall programming invites visitors of all ages to connect with the historic site and American history.
“Autumn is a very special time at The Hermitage,” said Chief Marketing Officer of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Jeffrey Freeman.
“As the summer heat starts winding down and the grounds transform with vibrant fall colors, we look forward to welcoming visitors for a season filled with unique experiences that bring history to life.”
Among the scheduled programming and happenings throughout the Fall is the return of The Hermitage’s annual Ghost Tours, where guests are invited to explore supernatural stories, unexplained occurrences, and strange accounts connected to the historic site and the Jackson family. Learn about death, mourning, funerary customs, and superstitions of the late-Regency and early-Victorian eras in an experience that blends history and folklore. Ghost tours will run Thursdays to Sundays from September 17 to November 7 at 6:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m.
More information about the Hermitage’s fall activities can be found below.
- Tuesday, August 18, 7 p.m. — Speaking Truth to Power: A Sojourner Truth Living History Experience: Join historian Daisy Century for a Living History portrayal of Sojourner Truth as The Hermitage commemorates the anniversary of Tennessee's ratification of the 19th Amendment. Born into slavery, Truth became an influential advocate for abolition and women's rights, inspiring generations through her powerful speeches and activism, including her famous question, "Ain't I a Woman?" Visitors will learn about Truth’s life and work and also explore the Saving Old Hickory's Hermitage exhibition, which highlights the women of the Ladies' Hermitage Association whose efforts helped preserve the historic site.
- Thursday, September 3 at 6 p.m. — Wine & Watercolor at The Hermitage: Join nationally exhibited artist and instructor Elaine Allen for this watercolor workshop designed for people of all skill levels. The three-hour class will include step-by-step instructions, painting materials, and a complimentary glass of wine or soft drink. Additional drinks will be available for purchase and each participant will leave with their own painting.
- Sunday, September 27 at 6 p.m. — Casino Night: A Members' Evening at The Hermitage: Join fellow Hermitage members for a lively Casino Night filled with classic games, craft cocktails, friendly competition and excitement. This event is 21+ and cocktail attire is encouraged. While it is only available to members, anyone can sign up to receive access to special events like this, plus discounted pricing on events, exclusive previews of upcoming happenings, unlimited access to the grounds and mansion, and more. Information about memberships can be found here.
- Friday, October 9 at 10 a.m. — Homeschool Day: Mapping the Frontier: Homeschool students ages 5-11 are invited to experience this unforgettable learning experience centered around Lewis and Clark’s monumental journey to the Pacific. Students will learn about the impact of this historical expedition while practicing the same skills used by the famous explorers through activities that teach them how to measure, draw, scale, and print maps.
- Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. — Hauntings at The Hermitage: This Halloween-themed event will lean further into spooky season as the night progresses. The event will start at 5 p.m. with family-friendly activities including pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, a costume contest, delicious Halloween treats, and a haunted hayride. Debra Miller will also portray author Mary Shelley, who wrote the groundbreaking horror novel Frankenstein. As the night grows darker, the grounds will become progressively scarier with haunted hayrides that last until midnight.
- Thursday, October 15 at 7 p.m. — Edgar Allen Poe: The Man Behind the Macabre: Consider the work and life of infamous author Edgar Allen Poe in this highly sought after production from acclaimed interpreter Charles Wissinger. Not only will Wissinger share some of Poe’s most iconic tales, but he will also reflect on the life of the idiosyncratic author who wrote classics such as The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
- Saturday, October 17 at 8 a.m. — 7th President 7K: Get moving on this one-of-a-kind course at Ther Hermitage’s fifth annual 7K run. The course will take participants across open fields, paved paths, a scenic landscape and historic buildings such as The Hermitage Mansion, Tulip Grove Mansion, and The Hermitage Church. There will also be a two-mile walking course.
- Saturday, October 24 at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. — The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A One-Man Show: Acclaimed actor Neill Hartley will bring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to life with an immersive, one-man performance that blends storytelling with audience participation, humor, and suspense. The event offers a fresh and exciting opportunity to experience one of America’s most classic ghost stories with fellow literature lovers and Halloween enthusiasts.
- Saturday, November 7 — Plein Air Day: Celebrate art, history, and the beauty of fall at this outdoor painting event. Members of The Chestnut Group, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the tradition of outdoor painting, will be stationed throughout the historic grounds capturing the vibrant Autumn landscape. Guests can appreciate this tradition from afar as the painters demonstrate their techniques, or they can take a more hands-on approach by signing up for painting workshops led by professional artists. Opportunities are available for painters of all skill levels.
- Friday, November 13 at 7 p.m. — Cherokee Tales: Created in partnership with the Cherokee Historical Association, this performance from Bright Star Touring Company explores the traditional myths, legends, and folktales of the Cherokee people. The family-friendly production honors Cherokee storytelling traditions, while sharing memorable characters and timeless lessons that everyone can learn from.
About Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is one of the largest, most well preserved and most visited presidential homes in the United States. Opened to the public in 1889, The Hermitage is one of America’s first presidential museums. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with 8 historic buildings, including Jackson’s mansion and tomb, restored slave cabins, enslaved cemetery, a church and gardens. The site continues expanding its interpretive initiatives and educational programs with ongoing research, enhancing the experiences of more than 170,000 annual visitors. For more information, visit thehermitage.com.
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