THE ANCESTRAL HOME OF JAMES K. POLK

HISTORY IN THE HEART OF COLUMBIA

By Kathy Fox

It was a gorgeous sunny day in downtown Columbia and after a two-year hiatus, the James K. Polk Home once again hosted its Annual Membership Luncheon and Garden Party in April, where 150 members gathered to elect officers and enjoy a catered lunch prepared by The Dotted Lime. While everyone mingled in the stunning gardens before lunch, enjoying appetizers served by student volunteers from Agathos Classical School, the array of hats adorned by members was another topic of conversation. Members are encouraged to wear hats to the event as a homage to women of the 1930s, a decade where fashion flourished and hats were whimsical, quirky, and also a status symbol.

James Knox Polk was born in North Carolina and his family later settled in Columbia, Tennessee. It was here that Polk began to shape his political philosophies and worldview. He had a successful law career in Columbia, later was elected to the Tennessee legislature, served in the United States House of Representatives, was Governor of Tennessee, and at the age of 49 became our nation’s eleventh President. Polk lived in the Columbia home on West 7th Street with his parents from 1818 to 1824, after graduating from the University of North Carolina, until he wed Sarah Childress in 1824.

Kay Curtis and her stunning pink, floral hat.

Left to right: Gina Wolfe, Catherine Burchell, Shelby Tietgens, Delon Burchell, Dawn Gray, and Susan Garman.

Situated a block off the historic town square, the Polk Home is the only surviving residence of Polk and has been preserved by the James K. Polk Memorial Association since 1929, as it is an integral part of American history. The museum and home are completely self-sustaining, relying solely on revenue from private donations, memberships, and events, as it receives no state or federal funding. The Museum encourages visitors to watch an introductory film delving into its history, explore the Museum Room where Polk’s life is chronologically outlined, and view the Presidential Exhibit Hall. Afterward, guided tours are available to explore the Polk Home filled with time period-correct furniture, including original furniture and paintings of President and Mrs. Polk and china used at the White House during his presidency.

Haverly Pennington and Katie Baker.

Amy Montgomery and Tina Seago

In the back of the house, visit the detached kitchen and walk through the revival-style boxwood garden where striking ironwork and a fountain from Polk’s Nashville mansion are on display. A peaceful place to stroll and view nature’s beauty at the end of the tour.

The Pol Home and Museum offers a full calendar of educational events, exhibitions, and seasonal happenings, including member and non-member events throughout the year. In addition to the Member Luncheon in April, the bi-annual Polk Ball will be held this fall on October 15. This members-only black-tie event is held in a historical home in Maury County and will be at the Historic Athenaeum in Columbia this year.

Left to right: Haverly Pennington, Kristin Parker, Jessica Hart, Dawn Gray, and Carly Holloway.

Non-member events include Bloodys + Biscuits during Mule Day and the Dark Horse Dinner which was inspired by James K. Polk’s launch party for his campaign for Governor. The Dark Horse dinner alternates with the Polk Ball and will be held again in 2023.

The ancestral home of James K. Polk relies heavily on contributions and memberships to maintain the property and keep its doors open. For additional information, to donate, or become a member visit jameskpolk.com. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help keep history alive in the heart of Columbia.