Hermitage celebrates Andrew Jackson with new exhibit

The Hermitage on Monday announced a new $1.1 million exhibit that marks an ongoing effort to shift the focus of Andrew Jackson's home away from the historic mansion and 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 museum 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 conversational language and interactive technology to encourage guests to consider the issues on their own 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 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 admission policy and will allow all active and retired U.S. military personnel to visit for free throughout 2015.

The new exhibit comes on the heels of a philosophical rebranding for the presidential home. Last month, The Hermitage announced a new logo, tagline and national board of trustees. The changes are part of a multiyear plan to draw national and local attention to Jackson, his presidency and his contemporary relevance.

To design the new exhibit, The Hermitage enlisted the same Louisville firm that worked with the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Ky.

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