To most of us, past presidents of the United States are not Democrats or Republicans. Their times may be remembered fondly or painfully. But, they are our presidents and they become part of our history, our heritage. So, when we have the opportunity, we visit their childhood homes and their presidential libraries.

The Hermitage—Home of President Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, born on March 15, 1767, was the 7th president. He was a president “of the people” and is remembered for his hospitality. His home, The Hermitage, which he purchased in 1804, near Nashville, Tennessee, is now a museum. All tours begin in the visitor’s center and it is recommended that you allow at least two hours for your visit. There fees for this site.

James K. Polk Ancestral Home

The 11th president of the United States was born on November 2, 1795. This ancestral home in Columbia, Tennessee, was the place James K. Polk came home to after he graduated from the University of North Carolina. The site tour includes two homes, with a museum room, many exhibits, artifacts and quite lovely grounds. Admission fees do apply.

Andrew Johnson National Historic Site

Born on December 29, 1808, Andrew Johnson was the 17th president. Within this historic site in Greeneville, Tennessee, is his tailor shop, the homestead where he lived before and after he was president, a museum and The National Cemetery where he was laid to rest. There are no fees, but you must make reservations for the homestead tour.

President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library

This museum and library are located in the oldest building on the campus of Tusculum College, in Greeneville, Tennessee. The exhibits include artifacts, memorabilia, and Andrew Johnson’s personal library. This site was chosen because of his involvement with, and support of, the college over many years. The Museum strongly suggests that visitors call ahead. There is no fee for admission during weekday hours.

Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site

Dwight David Eisenhower, 34th president, was born in Denison, TX, on October 14, 1890. His birthplace is now a state of Texas historic site. In addition to the home, there is a visitor’s center, a small research library, a picnic area with pavilion and a few hiking trails. This is a very pleasant little historic site.

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Lyndon B. Johnson was 36th president of the United States. He was born on August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas. In 1913 his family moved a few miles to Johnson City. His boyhood home there, the ancestral Johnson settlement nearby and the LBJ Ranch near Stonewall are all part of this historical park. If you want to see it all, it might take a full day. There is no fee for the Johnson City site, but there is a fee for the bus tour of the ranch.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum

Located in Austin, this library has a vast collection of documents, said to number more than 40 million and extensive museum exhibits, including the presidential limousine and a 1910 Model T Ford, a gift from Henry Ford II. Admission is free to this educational experience.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

This 21,000 square-foot facility is located on the West Campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Its exhibits include official and personal papers, video and audio and memorabilia of the 41st president. You can even see a segment of the Berlin Wall. This presidential site does have an admission fee.

William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

Little Rock, Arkansas, is home to this presidential library and museum built for the 42nd president, Bill Clinton. It houses over 76 million paper documents, almost 2 million photographs and over 84 thousand artifacts. You will be able to see a replica of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Guided tours are offered with reservations, but this museum is very “user friendly” so a self-guided tour works well. Except for certain days and some designated groups such as active duty military, admission fees are required.

Clinton Birthplace Museum

William Jefferson Clinton was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas. Called the Clinton Birthplace, this home is open for tours year round. Its newspaper collection, including articles about President Clinton’s political campaigns, seems to be a favorite. There is a fee for this small site.

Destination of the Future

George W. Bush Presidential Library

Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, will be home to this library for the 43rd president.

So, as we watch, presidential history marches on.