The Hermitage, the home of Andrew Jackson, in TN introduced audiotours
around 1990 after years of docent-led tours.  Visitors had no choice in the
matter.  I was the assistant curator there from 1990-1993 and had much
contact with the docents.  They were very unhappy with the audiotours and
many bad feelings were created as a result.  Tulip Grove, the home of Andrew
Jackson Donelson (Jackson's nephew), is also included on the Hermitage tour,
however, tours there remained docent-led.  Visitors were always making
comments on how they liked the tour at Tulip Grove better than at the
Hermitage and the docents were quick to report this back to the A-V head!  I
visited the Hermitage this past fall while at AASLH; I believe they have
done away with the audiotours or are in the process of reworking them.  I'm
not sure who the new A-V head is, but you may want to contact Marsha Mullin,
Curator of Collections, at 615-889-2941.  Good luck!

-Colleen E. Curry
Collections Manager
Lehigh County Historical Society
Allentown, PA
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Lehigh County Historical Society
Allentown, PA
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