Andrew Johnson National Historic Site adding new interactive exhibit

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – Leaders at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site are working to make their exhibits more engaging and interactive for younger students.

“It introduces a hands-on tactile element, interactive exhibit for students particularly geared towards kindergarten through fifth grade,” said Ashley Burns, Education Technician at the site. “Its this bright, new, fun, colorful exhibit that really concisely outlines Andrew Johnson’s journey into politics starting in Greeneville, Tennessee.”

The new exhibit also touches on the three branches of government and aligns with other exhibits in the early home, located on East Depot Street.

“There is a colorful spinning wheel on this exhibit, and students can can have fun spinning that wheel and then they can determine and kind of match what year Andrew Johnson was elected to the positions on the spinning wheel,” said Burns.

Another interactive element to the new exhibit is flip panels. Burns told News Channel 11 that educators can also use a curriculum-based lesson plan that matches with each display.

“I think this is very special to have this exhibit installed in here because kids know it’s for them. It’s bright, it’s colorful,” said Burns.

Shawn Gillette, Chief of Visitor Services and Education, said the early home showcases Andrew Johnson’s life before presidency–and how he did it.

“He raised a family with his wife in these hallways, he talked with his neighbors and he identified with people that were in the working class of the time period,” said Gillette. “In this house is where he made the decision to enter his very first political position.”

The exhibit is open to the public, and different school groups can schedule a field trip to the historic site. For more information on how to book a trip, visit the site’s website or call 423-416-4560.

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