The Hermitage museum is interpreted in the Victorian Era, capturing the thriving house after its Gothic Revival renovation. Visit us for a guided tour to hear more of the story.
The Victorian home was a safe haven from the rapidly industrializing world, with an emphasis on nature, worldliness, and leisure. While the Gothic Revival style with its large ground floor windows and porches opened the home to surrounding nature, its innovative modern conveniences; running water, indoor plumbing and central heating made for increased comfort.
Leisurely Pursuits
Through photographs, letters, diaries, ephemera, and artifacts, it is clear how full the lives of the Rosencrantz family were during the Victorian time period.
- Social Life- The family spent time with their friends and extended family located near and far. They took trips, attended charity events, social events, and more. Aunt Bess traveled often.
- Outdoor Recreation- The family engaged in a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. Pastimes included golfing, fishing, archery, bicycling, swimming, and seeing the horse races. Will Rosencrantz helped to establish golf as a popular pastime in the area. Dayton enjoyed hunting and shooting.
- Creative Pursuits- Will was an amateur photographer and responsible for many of the images we have of the family today. The women sewed much of their own clothing. The family had many varied books and magazine subscriptions. Mary Elizabeth took voice lessons.
- Games and Entertainment- The family played popular card games like whist and bridge. In 1888, they made a billiard room over the reconstructed summer kitchen. All generations enjoyed performances, plays, concerts, and more.
The Rowboat
On the Hermitage lawn, there is a photograph (ca. 1890) which reveals the Rosencrantz family sense of humor, showing them rowing a boat on the carriageway... far away from any water.
In 2025, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Caitlynn Albarella replaced a destroyed rowboat that was once a featured landmark on our lawn with another. Originally from Plymouth Massachusetts, which is long viewed as the birthplace of American ideals, the wooden rowboat "Big 3" now rests at the Hermitage. The name "Big 3" honors the shared spirit between these two historic places: the pursuit of religious liberty, the fight for political independence, and the commitment to preserving legacy. It also reflects three values that define both journeys from the Mayflower to the Revolution: courage, hope, and new beginnings.
In 2025, Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Caitlynn Albarella replaced a destroyed rowboat that was once a featured landmark on our lawn with another. Originally from Plymouth Massachusetts, which is long viewed as the birthplace of American ideals, the wooden rowboat "Big 3" now rests at the Hermitage. The name "Big 3" honors the shared spirit between these two historic places: the pursuit of religious liberty, the fight for political independence, and the commitment to preserving legacy. It also reflects three values that define both journeys from the Mayflower to the Revolution: courage, hope, and new beginnings.