Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
For 125 years, the Spring Outing at The Hermitage has been more than a fundraiser; it has been a living tradition rooted in hospitality, history, and community. As one of the site’s longest-running and most beloved events, this milestone year honors the generations who built its legacy while embracing a renewed vision for the future. We caught up with co-chairs Suzanne Smothers, Jennifer Stadler, and Robi Warner to discuss the history, vision, and excitement surrounding this year’s May 13 event.
Nashville Lifestyles: From your perspective as co-chairs, what makes this anniversary especially meaningful for The Hermitage and its supporters?
Suzanne Smothers, Jennifer Stadler, and Robi Warner: This 125th Spring Outing is especially meaningful because it celebrates both tradition and renewal. For more than a century, this event has united our community in support of preserving Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and its history.
NL: Spring Outing began as a picnic hosted by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. How do you balance honoring that tradition while continuing to evolve the event for today’s audience?
SS, JS, & RW: We honor that tradition by keeping hospitality, community, and appreciation for The Hermitage’s heritage at the heart of this event.
NL: What does it mean to each of you personally to help lead an event with such a long and cherished history?
JS: It’s an honor to help carry forward an event with such deep roots and meaning. For me, it’s about celebrating the tradition, honoring those who built it, and inspiring others to keep that spirit alive for years to come.
RW: I am honored to be a part of such a beautiful tradition. I have gained a deeper appreciation for preserving Tennessee history and bringing our community together just as the Ladies’ Hermitage Association has faithfully done for 125 years.
SS: Being from Old Hickory, the 125th Spring Outing is very personal to me. It’s an honor to help lead something with such a rich history, and I’m proud to carry on the tradition while helping it continue to grow.
NL: As co-chairs, what guiding vision or priorities shaped your planning for this year’s Spring Outing?
SS, JS, & RW: Our guiding vision was to create a welcoming, memory-making day on the beautiful grounds of The Hermitage. We want our color palette for the day to feel “American Strong,” with notes of red, white, and blue.
NL: This year’s event coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary. How did that broader historic moment influence the program or theme for 2026?
SS, JS, & RW: It pushed us to think bigger and more reflective, so the 2026 program leans into both celebration and honest commemoration of 250 years of American democracy — highlighting themes of freedom, civic participation, and diverse stories that have shaped the nation.
NL: What aspects of this year’s event are you most excited for attendees to see?
SS, JS, & RW: The beautiful tablescapes and our speakers, Norah O’Donnell and Kate Andersen Brower, co-authors of We the Women: The Hidden Heroes Who Built America, which highlights the unsung women who helped shape the history of the United States since its conception in 1776.
NL: What areas of preservation or operations will benefit most from the support raised this year?
SS, JS, & RW: Spring Outing has become a significant fundraising event for the Andrew Jackson Foundation. As the organization does not receive operational funding from state or federal sources, they depend on voluntary contributions from donors, members, and visitors. The funds raised this year will support enhancements to the visitor experience and programming for the 220,000 visitors and 32,000 students they serve annually, as well as improvements that ensure the long-term preservation of the site.
NL: As you look ahead, what do you hope the next generation of Spring Outing leaders and attendees will carry forward from this milestone year?
SS, JS, & RW: We want them to feel inspired by how far we’ve come and confident in where we’re headed, reminded that the American dream is still alive in every handshake, every story shared, and every moment of togetherness they experience here.