Celebrate 350 years at The Hermitage
The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and house museum, incorporates a stone house that was visited during the Revolutionary War by General George Washington. It was also the site of the marriage of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost. Its picturesque Gothic Revival design dates to the 1847–48 renovation by the architect William H. Ranlett.
Footprints: 350 Years at The Hermitage
View this exhibition through September 30, 2014.
New Jersey celebrates 350 years of history and
at The Hermitage the “Footprints, 350 Years” exhibition running from February 1 through September 30, explores the people who lived on and visited the site. This National Historic Landmark is located at 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423. Exhibition hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1
to 4 pm.
“Footprints 350” begins with viewing the museum’s most recent acquisition, the 1778 letter of invitation to stop at the residence from owner Theodosia Prevost to General George Washington. Seven themes then explore the various eras of this piece of land which was inhabited for 350 years. Native Americans lived near the property and is documented by arrowheads. Clay pipes and pottery shards discovered there during an archeological dig are also on display. The Era of the Rosencrantz Family is about the family whose lives exemplified the increasing liberty in American Society and who were innovative in their professional lives and recreational endeavors. The Civil War in Bergen County recounts the family’s ways to continue their cotton production despite the scarcity of raw material.
New Jersey’s Industrial Development features a working model of the Paterson and Ramapo Railroad which was an integral part of the mill operation. The Women of The Hermitage were socially engaged with others in the Ho-Ho-Kus and Ridgewood areas. They exhibited innovative entrepreneurship establishing a successful tea room, attracting a clientele from the rise in automotive touring. A mannequin in a black and white check silk dress dates from 1900. Typical of this era, it is trimmed with black ribbon in the Greek key design. Recreation and Pastimes features both men and women of the house engaged in golf, photography and bicycling and the emerging crazes of the late nineteenth century. The Hermitage Site Today underscores the importance that the property has been as a leader in liberty for America and innovation in historic preservation in New Jersey. The exhibition concludes with images of The Hermitage before, during and after its 1970s restoration.
The Friends of The Hermitage unparalleled restoration of this important site in our region belongs to every person. “Footprints 350” became a very special project, due to its importance within the state’s history. It is not included in the current general operating budget and is funded in part by donors. The Friends are seeking partners for the exhibition. Friends Board President Richard C. Brahs, in a statement, has suggested that you contact him at The Hermitage (201) 445-8311, X104 to discuss promotional benefits for the Special Exhibition.
This exhibit is free. For more information, please call 201-445-8311, ext. 101.
The Hermitage Museum
335 North Franklin Turnpike
Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423-1035
Telephone: (201) 445-8311
Fax: (201) 445-0437
