Where History Blooms: Cultivating Connection at Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
How Plantsoon Helps 150,000 Annual Visitors Discover a Presidential Landscape
"Plantsoon is helping me achieve my ultimate goal here at The Hermitage: Restore and preserve a historic garden while educating the public and inspiring others to explore the Horticulture industry."
A Living Legacy on 1,120 Acres
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors annually to its 1,120 acres of historic grounds. The property encompasses far more than the Greek Revival mansion—it features a meticulously maintained one-acre formal garden designed in 1819 by Philadelphia gardener William Frost, along with a certified Level III Arboretum recognized by the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council. The site tells a complex American story: while commemorating the seventh President, The Hermitage also honors the lives of the enslaved men, women, and children whose labor built and maintained these grounds, cultivating the very gardens visitors explore today. Through preservation, interpretation, and education, the Andrew Jackson Foundation creates meaningful connections between history and contemporary visitors.
Engaging Visitors Through Immersive Experiences
The Hermitage engages guests through a wide range of educational and immersive experiences. Visitors can explore the site through both guided and self-guided tours of the mansion, gardens, and historic grounds, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the Jackson era to life. Educational programs serve school groups, youth organizations, and lifelong learners, offering curriculum-based tours and hands-on activities that connect history to broader civic themes. Seasonal events, lectures, and special experiences provide fresh opportunities for engagement and repeat visitation.
Digital Labels Extend the Experience
With almost 250 plant entries now catalogued in Plantsoon and 112 L-signs with stakes installed throughout the grounds, The Hermitage has transformed how visitors experience its botanical heritage. Using Plantsoon's Professional subscription, Historic Garden Manager Kimberly Weeks shares basic plant information, applicable historic facts, and images of plants throughout the seasons—all accessible with a simple smartphone scan. The self-guided tour fulfills a long-standing request from visitors and staff alike. Looking ahead, The Hermitage plans to use Plantsoon's Assets feature to recognize the local garden clubs and other organizations that help restore and preserve the garden, ensuring this living history lesson continues to educate and inspire for generations to come.
Virtual visit to their garden: https://experience.plantsoon.com/visit/hermitage-arboretum
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