Mahwah Historian Part of Hermitage's 350 Years of NJ Celebration

Mahwah Historian Carol Greene will be part of the Hermitage's celebration of the state's 350th birthday, the museum recently announced.

The Hermitage's “Footprints, 350 Years” exhibition is running from now through September 30, and explores the people who lived on and visited the site. At March 26 at 7:30 p.m., Mahwah's Carol Greene and Lindsey Greene-Barrett will present Women on the Move: Tales of Bicycles, Bi-Planes and Big Cars, one of two special programs the exhibit is putting on.

The Hermitage released the following information about the exhibit: 

“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.  

The history begins with Native Americans, whose life on the property is documented by arrowheads, pipes and pottery shards discovered there during an archeological dig. Joining them are the Colonial Residents and guests who engaged in the fight for American liberty – Washington, Hamilton, Burr, Paterson and others.  

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 area. They exhibited innovative entrepreneurship establishing a successful tea room, attracting a clientele from the rise in automotive touring.  A mannequin is resplendent in a black and white check silk dress dating 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 restoration.

“Footprints 350” is not included in the current general operating budget and is funded in part by donors.

This Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark, is located at 335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus. Exhibition hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. This exhibit is free. For more information, call 201-445-8311, ext. 101.