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Hermitage Celebrates Andrew Jackson With New Exhibit

Hermitage Celebrates Andrew Jackson With New Exhibit

By Brooke Kelly

The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson announced today that it will launch its first large-scale change to its space in 25 years with a new exhibit on Jan. 8, 2015 commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, where Jackson led a small group of American soldiers to a decisive victory in the War of 1812. In addition, all military personnel, active and retired, will be allowed in free in 2015. Read more in the Nov. 24 edition of The Tennessean.

Hermitage_new exhibit

Hermitage Celebrates Andrew Jackson With New Exhibit

The Hermitage on Monday announced a new $1.1 million exhibit as part of an ongoing effort to shift the focus of Andrew Jackson’s home toward the former president’s legacy in the 21st century.

The exhibit, which opens in January, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, where Jackson led a small group of American soldiers to a decisive victory in the War of 1812. It is the first large-scale change to The Hermitage’s exhibit space since that building opened 25 years ago.

“Andrew Jackson: Born for a Storm” will offer visitors to The Hermitage an in-depth look at the president’s life, from his time as a young frontiersman through his military and political careers. The exhibit will include an analysis of the negative and the positive aspects of his administration and policies, using contemporary language that encourages guests to consider the issues on their terms.

The new exhibit represents a sharp departure from the previous display, which placed an emphasis on the estate and its historic significance. Hermitage CEO Howard Kittell said the organization has been planning this shift for two years.

Kittell said Jackson “was someone who really changed the course of history and the American presidency.

“We felt that was a story that really needed to be told.”

Hermitage admission will be free to the public when the exhibit opens on Jan. 8. Presidential biographer and Jackson scholar H.W. Brands from the University of Texas at Austin will be on hand to speak.

Drawing on Jackson’s military experience, The Hermitage is changing its policy by allowing all U.S. military personnel, active and retired, to visit free of charge throughout 2015.

The new exhibit comes on the heels of a philosophical shift for the presidential home. Last month, The Hermitage announced a new logo, tagline and national board of trustees. The changes are part of a multi-year plan to refocus attention from the mansion itself to Jackson, his presidency and his relevance to the 21st century.

Reach Adam Tamburin at 615-726-5986 and on Twitter @tamburintweets.