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The Hermitage is a fourteen-room Gothic Revival house museum located in Ho-Ho-Kus.
The property’s story begins with a two-story stone farmhouse built in the mid-1700s. In 1807, the estate was purchased by Dr. Elijah Rosencrantz and his wife, Cornelia Suffern, and it remained in the Rosencrantz family for four generations. In 1847–48, architect William H. Ranlett transformed the original stone house into the romantic Gothic Revival residence that stands today.In 1970, the Hermitage was designated a National Historic Landmark, and today it is maintained by the Friends of the Hermitage Inc., a nonprofit, in partnership with the State of New Jersey.
The Hermitage holds deep significance for both architectural and Revolutionary War history. The 1847 renovation resulted in a notable example of the Gothic Revival style, featuring tall gable roofs, elaborate bargeboards, diamond-paned windows, and pointed Tudor arches. Its historical importance predates that remodel, however.
In July 1778, after the Battle of Monmouth, Theodosia Prevost — then living at the Hermitage while her husband fought for the British — invited General George Washington and his officers to stay at the estate. Washington and his men were hosted there for four days, and other notable visitors during the Revolution included James Monroe, William Paterson, the Marquis de Lafayette, Alexander Hamilton, Lord Stirling, and Aaron Burr. In 1782, after her first husband was killed in the war, Theodosia married Aaron Burr at the Hermitage.
The site is recognized as Bergen County’s first National Historic Landmark!
The museum houses an extensive collection of period costumes and accessories spanning from the mid-1700s to the end of the Victorian era. Visitors can take guided tours of the historic interior, which is interpreted to reflect the 1890s Rosencrantz household, and explore the surrounding grounds. The Hermitage also hosts seasonal events, including Christmas house tours and Halloween ghost tours, along with educational programs for schools and scout groups.
Business Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 4 pm
Saturday-Sunday 12 pm to 4 pm
Tours:
Friday-Sunday at 1:15 pm, 2:15 pm, and 3:15 pm
Admission:
Adults $10, Children 10 and under $5.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hermitagehhk/
