The annual holiday open house at the Andrew Johnson Homestead is set for Dec. 1, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to a NPS news release. This event takes place at the historic site of the residence of America's 17th president, Andrew Johnson.
As we look towards this special occasion, let's dive into what can be expected. The annual holiday open house at the Andrew Johnson Homestead is set for Dec. 1, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The National Park Service announces holiday open house at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
The holiday open house event includes three talks around the campfire, starting at 6:30 p.m. The talks include: "The Humor and Wit of Andrew Johnson," followed at 7:00 pm by "The Disease that Consumed the Johnson Family," and third at 7:30 pm "What is Figgy Pudding?" There will be a craft table for kids to make a holiday card or ornament, and cookies and hot apple cider will be served, courtesy of the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association.
Now that we've covered the details of this year's event, let's take a moment to reflect on who Andrew Johnson was. Andrew Johnson was the United States’ 17th president, from 1865-1869, following the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, according to an information page from the White House. Johnson grew up poor in Raleigh, North Carolina and opened a tailor shop in Greenville, Tennessee before marrying Eliza McCardle. He was a member of "the House of Representatives and Senate in the 1840s and 1850s," and remained in the Senate, even as the state he represented – Tennessee – seceded from the Union. He was appointed "Military Governor of Tennessee" in 1864, and was nominated for Vice President by the Republican party the same year.
Aside from this holiday event, there are also some new operational changes to note. The holiday gathering wasn’t the only announcement from the park this week. On Nov. 20, the winter hours of operations and tour times were also announced. Winter hours start on Dec. 3, with the park open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. It will be closed Monday and Tuesday. But the Andrew Johnson National Cemetery will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until dusk.
Guided tours at the Andrew Johnson Homestead will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tours are limited to ten visitors, and groups are filled first-come, first served. The Andrew Johnson Homestead is located at 209 South Main Street.
