Historic Nashville Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Tennessee’s Executive Residence

Join Historic Nashville for a very special tour of the Tennessee’s Executive Residence on Saturday May 5, 2018 at 10:00 am.

Tennessee’s Executive Residence, a classic example of stately Georgian architecture, was originally known as “Far Hills” because of the beautiful view from the home’s 10-acre site. The three-story, 16-room home was built for businessman William Ridley Wills, founder of National Life and Accident Insurance Company, and completed in 1931.

The property became the Volunteer State’s official governor’s home when the state purchased it in 1949 following Wills’ death. To date, nine governors and their families have lived and worked in the Tennessee Residence, including Gordon Browning, Frank Clement, Buford Ellington, Winfield Dunn, Ray Blanton, Lamar Alexander, Ned Ray McWherter, Don Sundquist and Bill Haslam.

During Phil Bredesen’s term (2003-2011), the Tennessee Residence underwent a major renovation led by First Lady Andrea Conte and the Tennessee Residence Foundation. Conservation Hall, a 14,000 square-foot subterranean meeting and banquet facility, was built under the front lawn of the Tennessee Residence during the renovation project. The space is used to entertain for large events on the property and includes artwork created by Tennessee artists through the hall.

Over time, the Tennessee Residence and grounds have been a welcoming point for tens of thousands of Tennesseans, as well as host to official functions for distinguished guests, including Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and Vice-President Al Gore; legislative leaders; numerous governors; religious figures such as Rev. Billy Graham; and other distinguished dignitaries from around the world.

**IMPORTANT** In preparation for your visit:

• Please arrive as close to 10:00 am as possible, but no earlier than 9:50 am.
• If possible, please bring a photo ID. (Children exempt.)
• Tours typically last an hour, with an extra 10-min allotted for viewing the gardens and grounds.
• If you are unable to attend, please give 24 hours notice.
• When you arrive on the property, please stop at the gate and give your name through the speaker to the trooper.
• Once they check your name against the confirmed security list, they will open the gate and direct you where to park.

**Please use the Eventbrite reservation form below. If the form does not appear in your browser click here to RSVP. **