The Hermitage Calendar of Events 

Tours are offered Wednesday through Sunday starting at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 pm. Tours cost $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; and $4 for children 6-12. Tours are free for members and for children under 6.Tours of The Hermitage have limited accessibility. Please call in advance so that we can accommodate you. All programs are wheelchair accessible. Visit The Museum Shop during tour hours for unusual and special gifts. Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases.

For the 2009-2010 History Lecture Series schedule, click here

For the 2009-2010 History Roundtable schedule, click here

 

January 30-September 26, 2010.

New Exhibition: "Closet Archaeology"

Closet Archaeology, the major exhibit at The Hermitage in 2010, will open on January 30 at the Hermitage Education & Conference Center. The exhibit features the contemporary textile art of Diane Savona, who uses deconstructed historical garments and found objects to reconstruct new forms that are incorporated into visual collages. "By incorporating clothing, tools, and personal possessions into my artwork, I seek to connect my work to the people in the wider community, both past and present,” says Savona, who is guest curator for the exhibit. “The Hermitage Collection presents a unique opportunity to piece together elements of past eras and contemporary art.” Closet Archaeology will be open to the public from Wednesdays through Sundays, 1-4 p.m., from January 30 to September 26, 2010. Admission is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors; and $4 for children age 6-12 (children under 6
are admitted free). A tour of the historic Hermitage is included in the admission

 

January 29, 2010 - 6-9 p.m.

Opening reception for  "Closet Archaeology"

All are welcome; reservations are required and can be made by calling the Museum Office at (201) 445-8311, x. 36. 
Please RSVP by Wednesday, January 27.



The Hermitage History Lecture Series, 2010

The Hermitage History Lecture Series is sponsored by The Ridgewood News and The Town Journal. All lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Hermitage Education & Conference Center. Admission is $7.50 for non-members, $5 for member, and $2 for students. Clip the Lecture Series coupon from one of the sponsoring newspapers for a discount on the non-member admission price. Reservations are requested to attend lectures and can be made by calling the Museum Office at 201-445-8311, x36.

 

Thursday, February 18, 2010

The Arithmetic of War: Another Look at New Jersey's Revolutionary War Militia

The reputation of the militia of Revolutionary New Jersey never fully recovered from the disaster of late 1776, when many militiamen scattered in the face of British invasion and Patriot leaders minced no words in castigating their performance. But was this criticism justified? In this lecture, Dr. Mark Lender, professor and chairman of the History Department at Rutgers University, argues that New Jersey did remarkably well in mobilizing its military manpower and that the traditional, skeptical view of militia participation in the War for Independence needs major revision.

 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Closet Archaeology: Sorting Out History

Old textiles contain history on a very personal level. Whether they are Colonial-era samplers or grandma’s embroidery, fabrics spell out stories—accounts that cannot be found in history books. In this illustrated presentation, textile artist Diane Savona, will show how various textiles have been used to convey and preserve information. Ms. Savona is also the guest curator of the Hermitage exhibition "Closet Archaeology," which will run from February through October 2009.

 

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Whatever Happened to New Jersey’s Mills?

More than a thousand water-powered lumber, grist, cotton, and woolen mills provided food, shelter, and clothing in New Jersey in the nineteenth century. Over the decades, some of those mills were converted to other uses; may fell into ruin; and others simply vanished. Surprisingly, a few still function today. This illustrated program by Phil Jaeger, a trustee of the Passaic County Historical Society and former director of the Canal Society of New Jersey, examines the current state of many of the mills built in centuries past.

 

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Jasper F. Cropsey and the Hudson River School Painters

Romanticism and pride in America’s unspoiled natural beauty were key themes in the paintings of the Hudson River School artists of the nineteenth century. In this illustrated lecture, Dr. Kenneth W. Maddox, art historian at the Newington-Cropsey Foundation in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, will discuss the work of the Hudson River School painter Jasper F. Cropsey and the values inherent in the genre.

 

Professional Development Credit for Educators

The Hermitage is a registered Professional Development Provider with the New Jersey State Department of Education. Each lecture counts toward one hour of professional development credit.

 

Students

High school students are welcome at the lectures. Some teachers give extra credit for attendance. Through the lectures, students gain increased knowledge of history by partici­pating in public presen­tations and discussions. The lectures also provide an oppor­tunity for students to hear history presented by scholars.

 

Reservations

Reservations are recommended. Please fill out the adjoining form and return it, with your check, to:
The Hermitage, 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey  07423.

 

Changes and Cancellations

Programs and speakers are subject to change. In case of inclement weather, please call the Museum Office at 201-445-8311.

 

We Welcome Your Suggestions!

If you have a history program to present or would like to recommend a speaker for the Hermitage History Lecture Series, contact us at 201-445-8311 or by e-mail at info@thehermitage.org.

 

The Hermitage History Roundtable

The Hermitage History Roundtable on local and New Jersey history meets at the Hermitage Education & Conference Center (unless noted otherwise) at 7:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of each month from September to May (except December). The group includes local historians, professors and teachers, and others interested in discussing history. The presentations are most often by people doing research and testing it out with the group and inviting feedback. Members of the group are encouraged to do and present research, but those who are interested in just hearing the presentations and the discussions are also welcome. There is no cost, and professional development credit is available to teachers who lead roundtable discussions. 

 

Wednesday, January 27, 2010. Henry Bischoff, Professor Emeritus, Ramapo College, "Saving the Hermitage as a Heritage for the Public." The year 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Mary Elizabeth Rosencrantz and of The Hermitage becoming a public historic site. The saving of The Hermitage for the public, however, evolved over many decades before her death. It is this evolution, together with persons and events in 1970, that we can explore together at this roundtable.

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2010. TO BE HELD AT THE RIDGEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY. Kevin Wright, past president of the Bergen County Historical Society, will speak about and sign his new book, 1609: A Country That Was Never Lost - The 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson's Visit with North Americans of the Middle Atlantic Coast. This is a joint program with the Ridgewood Public Library and will be held in the Library Auditorium at 125 North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 at our usual time of 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Carol Greene, President of the Board of Trustees, Friends of the Hermitage, and Mahwah local historian, will talk about the history of Mahwah and share her new book.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010. Hans Niederstrasser of the Friends of Long Pond Ironworks in West Milford, NJ, will speak about Peter Hasenclever, a colonial ironmaker in Passaic County (Ringwood, Long Pond Ironworks, etc).

Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Richard Sgritta, executive director of The Hermitage, will share the new long- range vision for The Hermitage.

 

More Upcoming Events, 2009-2010

 

Saturday-Sunday, May 15-16, 1-4 p.m.

Civil War Living History Weekend

Join the reenactors from Company B, 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, again for a springtime encampment. Museum visitors have opportunities to tour the soldiers' camp, examine the living conditions, question the reenactors, and observe the daily routine of Civil War soldiers. Admission is free for museum members and children under 6 and $7 for non-members. Admission includes a tour of the historic Hermitage.

 

Saturday, May 22, 2010, 6 p.m. 

The Rose Ball 

Mark your calendars for the Annual Rose Ball Benefit on Saturday, May 22, at the beautiful Ridgewood Country Club, featuring dinner, dancing, and a Silent Auction. The Rose Ball Committee is already hard at work planning this special and important fundraising event that is so significant for The Hermitage.

 

Saturday, June 12, 2010, 9 a.m.-3 p.m

"A Touch of England" Vintage Automobile & Motorcycle Show

Join us for this annual event featuring classic vehicles from British manufacturers such as Triumph, MG, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, and more, hosted by the New Jersey Triumph Association. The automobiles and motorcycles will be displayed in the park-like setting surrounding The Hermitage. Admission, which also includes tours of the Hermitage Museum, is $7 for adults, $4 for children age 6-12, and free for children under age 6. Parking is free.  All proceeds from the show benefit educational programs at the Hermitage National Historic Landmark.

 

Saturday, June 19, 2010, 1-4 p.m. (tentative - please call 201-445-8311, x21 or x33, for confirmation)

Revolutionary War Encampment at The Hermitage

Reenactors will set up a base camp of several tents where they will portray the everyday life of a Revolutionary War soldier. Special military drills will take place on the lawn of The Hermitage throughout the afternoon as well as ongoing demonstrations of 18th century crafts and interactive activities for children. Museum visitors will be able to engage the reenactors in conversation and ask questions about the American War for Independence. Admission is free for museum members and for children under 6 and $7 for non-members. Admission includes a tour of the historic Hermitage.

 

Saturday, July 24, 2010, and Saturday, August 14, 2010, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Antique Fair (July) and Outdoor Craft Fair (August)

Antique dealers and handcrafters under the trees on the historic grounds. Produced by PJ’s Productions. Admission benefits the Hermitage Museum.

 

Please note: The calendar is subject to modification. Please call 201-445-8311, ext. 36, to confirm events.

Friends of the Hermitage, Inc., received a General Support Operating Grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs, Department of State.