Preserving the President James K. Polk Home for the next 100 Years

PHOTOS PROVIDED

In Maury County, history is never far from the present. From Columbia’s historic downtown square to the rolling countryside dotted with century-old homes and farms, the stories of Tennessee’s past continue to shape the community today. Few places embody that connection more beautifully than Antrim, the stately historic estate that will host the 2026 President James K. Polk Ball on September 19, 2026.

For one unforgettable evening, members of the President James K. Polk Memorial Association, dressed in black-tie attire, will gather at Antrim beneath the glow of chandeliers and candlelight to celebrate the enduring legacy of President James K. Polk. Set against the backdrop of one of Maury County’s most treasured historic homes, the biennial gala promises to blend elegance, preservation, and local heritage in a way only Columbia can.

Located minutes away from the Polk Home and Gardens, Antrim is a historic estate that remains family-owned and operated today by Margaret Fleming Hewgley and her husband, Burt Hewgley. Their connection to the home traces back to Margaret’s family, whose thoughtful preservation efforts helped restore and protect the estate during the twentieth century. Under the Hewgleys’ care of Antrim, the two have balanced modernization of the home and grounds with careful preservation efforts, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the estate while protecting the architectural details and historical significance that make the property so special.

Built in 1810 by Joseph Porter Brown, Antrim holds a significant place in Maury County history as the first brick residence constructed south of the Duck River. Over the decades, the property evolved into an impressive farm and estate, eventually taking on its signature Greek Revival appearance with towering white columns and timeless Southern architecture.

The home’s history intertwines closely with the story of President James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. Polk, who spent his formative years in Columbia, received some of his earliest education through the families associated with the Antrim property at the nearby Brick Meeting House. Long before he would lead the nation through one of the most consequential periods of expansion in American history, Polk was a young Maury County student shaped by the people and places surrounding him.

Antrim also witnessed pivotal moments during the Civil War, including military activity on the property during the final months of the conflict in 1864. Over time, the estate weathered periods of decline before undergoing a thoughtful restoration in 1937 by Peggy Adams Dickinson and Swope Fleming, who renamed the home Antrim in honor of their Irish heritage. That historical significance makes Antrim a fitting location for the 2026 Polk Ball, one of Middle Tennessee’s premier charity events.

Founded in 1986, the Polk Ball serves as a major fundraiser benefiting the President James K. Polk Home and Museum in Columbia. The event helps support the preservation of the Polk Home, educational programming, artifact conservation, and the continued sharing of President Polk’s legacy with future generations.

This year’s celebration will feature an exciting addition: a Designer Showhouse experience inside Antrim. Several rooms throughout the historic estate will be transformed by some of the area’s most talented interior and event designers, blending timeless architecture with inspired contemporary design. Elegant Events and Rentals will curate sophisticated entertaining spaces designed to reflect the grandeur and hospitality of historic Southern gatherings. Laura Thurman Design will bring her signature layered aesthetic and refined approach to interiors, while Lisa Bennett Interiors will contribute thoughtfully designed spaces that honor the home’s historic character while introducing elevated modern touches. Together, the designers will create an immersive experience that allows guests to experience Antrim in an entirely new way.

Serving as co-chair of the 2026 Polk Ball alongside Rachel Hughes has been an honor. We are two business owners deeply connected to the Maury County community. Hughes, owner of Ye Peddler Home and YP Boutique, brings creativity, style, and a strong sense of community involvement to the event. Known for her eye for detail and her support of local initiatives, she has long been recognized as one of Columbia’s passionate small business leaders.

As owner of Baker Group Realty, I am committed to preserving and promoting the character of Maury County through real estate, marketing, and community engagement, which aligns naturally with the Polk Ball’s mission. Together, we are helping shape an event that honors local history while inviting a new generation to experience it.

As Columbia continues to evolve, events like the Polk Ball serve as reminders of the importance of preserving the places and stories that define the community’s identity. Historic homes like Antrim are not simply architectural landmarks; they are living connections to the people, traditions, and moments that shaped Tennessee.

For guests attending the September 19 gala, the evening will offer more than fine dining, dancing by Collective + Sound, and a silent auction. Guests will also experience a curated Designer Showhouse throughout Antrim, where thoughtfully transformed interiors will showcase the intersection of historic preservation and modern design. In many ways, the 2026 Polk Ball represents the very spirit of Columbia itself — a community that values its past while continuing to invest in its future. And at Antrim, where generations of history have unfolded beneath its columns, that spirit will be on full display.

For information on the President James K. Polk Home & Museum or to become a member of the President James K. Polk Memorial Association, visit jameskpolk.com.