hermitage historical society tours

Christmas Tree Tours at Hermitage Historical Society

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Sat Nov 25 2023 at 01:00 pm to Sat Dec 09 2023 at 01:00 pm

Hermitage Historical Society | Hermitage, PA

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Here are seven North Jersey historic castles you must visit

S ure, New Jersey is progressive when it comes to development. Name us a downtown that doesn't boast a new mixed-use residential complex — or one in the works.

But did you know you can also look back on how development looked during our state's history? There are a variety of castles and mansions to visit across the Garden State, each with their own tie to our past.

Despite the age behind each of these sites — all standing for more than a century — each has been maintained and renovated over time, and are open to New Jersey residents and visitors alike (or, in the case of Lambert Castle, will be soon enough).

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Here are seven historic castles to visit in North Jersey on your next weekend outing.

Lambert Castle and Tower, Paterson

While currently closed for renovations, Lambert Castle on the Paterson-Clifton border in Passaic County is expected to reopen to the public in 2023.

The castle was first built on Garret Mountain in 1892 by Catholina Lambert — one of nineteenth century Paterson's most prominent silk textile manufacturers — and originally named "Belle Vista." After his death in 1923, the estate was passed on to his son Walter, who sold it to the City of Paterson in 1925. After briefly being used as a hospital for tuberculosis, the castle and its grounds were adopted into the Garret Mountain Reservation by the Passaic County Park Commission in 1928.

The Lambert Castle Museum consists of three explorable floors, which contain period rooms showcasing the castle's history, including many of Lambert's original possessions and other historical items from the Passaic County Historical Society collections. There are also long-term and short-term exhibition galleries throughout the museum.

Also on Garret Mountain is the 70-foot observation tower known as Lambert Tower, which was built in 1986. The tower is open to the public from May through October on Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.

Go: 4 Valley Road, Paterson; lambertcastle.org and 8 Mountain Avenue, Woodland Park; seepassaiccounty.org/lambert-tower

Ringwood Manor, Ringwood

A National Historical Landmark, Ringwood Manor in Ringwood State Park dates back to 1807, and was home to a number of ironmasters from the colonial period through the early 20th century. Native American artifacts have also been found on the ground of Ringwood Manor, indicating an early occupation of the site.

Inside, Ringwood Manor features various collections of the estate's history, from details of family life and culture during its time to equipment showcasing the property as a figure in the early iron industry in New Jersey.

Guided tours of Ringwood Manor are held from Wednesday to Sunday on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except at noon. Admission into the manor is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 62 and older, $5 for children between 6 to 12 years old and free for children 5 and younger.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, a per-car parking fee is required to enter the park, which costs $5 for New Jersey residents and $7 for out-of-state residents.

Go: 1304 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood; ringwoodmanor.org

Skylands Manor, Ringwood

Located within the Botanical Gardens of New Jersey is Skylands Manor, designed in the 1920s by American architect John Russell Pope. The building features weathered stone, as well as sags and ripples in the slate roof, intentionally designed to appear centuries older. Inside, you can see architectural design reminiscent of the Tudor-revival style, as well as furniture that mimics the gothic interior typical of the time.

The grounds of Skylands Manor is open to the public daily, but guided tours of the inside ground floor of the mansion are available on selected Sundays.

Tour admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors ages 65 and older, $7 for children ages 6 to 18 and free for children under 6.

Go: 5 Morris Road, Ringwood; njbg.org/skylands-manor

The Hermitage, Ho-Ho-Kus

Built in the 1700s, the Hermitage has seen many owners, and was renovated in 1847 in the Gothic Revival style still seen on the property today. The museum features collections of photos from families who inhabited the mansion, including the Rosencrantz family, who owned the property from 1807 to 1970. There are also mannequins dressed with the clothing typically worn through centuries, and period furniture and toys.

Visitors can explore the grounds and gardens of the Hermitage daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guided tours of the museum typically run from Friday through Sunday at 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 10 and younger.

The Hermitage museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a food truck festival, a craft show and a British car show.

Go: 335 Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus; thehermitage.org

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, Morristown

This Federal-style, brick mansion in Morristown is the former home of the Macculloch family during the 19th century. It was originally built by George Macculloch, who carved out the Morris Canal to transport farm produce from North Jersey to markets in metropolitan New York.

Macculloch Hall Historical Museum now displays remnants of the early American lifestyle, as well antiques from the 18th and early 19th centuries from the personal collection of its current owner, W. Parsons Todd. This includes collections of political cartoonist Thomas Nast (1840-1902) and historic artwork.

Visitors can visit the gardens of the property daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, and the museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. On weekdays, tours of Macculloch Hall are held by appointment only, and tours must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, $4 for children ages 12 and younger, and free for children ages 5 and younger.

Go: 45 MacCulloch Avenue, Morristown; maccullochhall.org

Iviswold Castle, Rutherford

Built in 1868 by New York newspaperman and land developer Lloyd W. Tomkins as a two-story home, Iviswold Castle was bought by David Brinkerhoff Ivison in 1887 and turned into a three-story mansion, equipped with 25 rooms, including a music room and carriage porch.

Switching ownership several times throughout the years, it was purchased in the 1970s by Fairleigh Dickinson University and a college campus was built around it. Once Fairleigh Dickinson outgrew stopped operating on this campus in 1994, it was sold to what is now Felician University in 1997.

Iviswold Castle is now used to house many of the school's administrative officers. The property has been added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, and the University welcomes visitors to take in its exterior design — a red-tinted Ludowici clay tile roof and brick siding — and the remnants of its Victorian interior.

Operating hours of offices within the Castle are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is available to visitors in the Montross Avenue parking lot.

Go: 1 Felician Way, Rutherford; atlasobscura.com/iviswold-castle

Kips Castle, Verona

Kips Castle is a 9,000-foot, medieval-style mansion sitting on eleven acres of land between Verona and Montclair.

First built in 1905 by Frederic Kip, the building consists of 30 rooms, vaulted ceilings and grand fireplaces, and features a two-story, 6,000 square foot carriage house on the property.

A private residence from then until 1980, the estate was purchased by a controversial cult group, which transformed the property into a compound. It was purchased away in 1985, and was sold to the Essex County Parks System in 2006.

Admission to the castle and its grounds are free. The lower level of the castle will be open in December 2023 for self-guided tours, and the property's grounds can be rented for weddings, photography sessions and approved private events.

Go: 22 Crestmont Road, Verona; essexcountyparks.org/kips-castle-park

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here are seven North Jersey historic castles you must visit

Talbot Historical Society

30 S. Washington St., Easton, MD, 21601

Talbot Historical Society is at 30 S. Washington St. A museum gallery and interactive exhibits in the Mary Jenkins House showcase the history of Talbot County. Neall House, the early 1800s brick Federal-style townhouse of Quaker cabinetmaker James Neall, offers a collection of portraits, artifacts, furniture and changing exhibits. Thirty-minute guided walking tours of downtown Easton can be arranged that include Neall House. Participants will see the interior of the relocated studio-museum of architect H. Chandlee Forman, a collector of Colonial antiques from the Eastern Shore. Also featured are boxwood and perennial gardens. Guided walking tours are available by advance reservation only. Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.

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Readfield Historical Society events slated for Heritage Days

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Readfield History Walkers will enjoy a walking tour of Kents Hill School campus on August 10th in honor of the School’s 200th anniversary. Bearce Hall center and Ricker Hall are pictured here. SUBMITTED PHOTO

READFIELD — The Readfield Historical Society (RHS) annual Wine & Cheese Social will kick off Readfield Heritage Days on Friday, August 9 from 5 – 7 p.m. Guests can tour the RHS museum and meet others with like interests. Refreshments will include wine, sangrias, non-alcoholic beverages, cheeses, and an array of delectable appetizers and sweet treats.

Several books and items of a historical nature will be available for purchase in the RHS gift shop, including those authored by Dale Potter-Clark, who will be available to sign her books and to answer questions. The event is for new and established RHS members. Dues can be paid at the door: $10 annual, $5 for seniors and lifetime dues $100.

On Saturday, August 10 from 10-11:30 a.m. there will be a walking tour of Kents Hill School (KHS) campus in honor of KHS’s 2024 bicentennial. Walkers will learn about the older buildings on campus and some of the main characters who helped establish KHS and taught there in the earliest days. There is no fee, park at the Alfond Athletics Center, 1617 Main Street.

The RHS museum and archives will be open on Thursday, Aug. 8 and Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and every Thursday and Saturday during the same hours until Labor Day weekend. RHS was founded in 1985 to preserve the rich history of Readfield, Maine and its people. FMI about RHS or to make an appointment contact (207) 377-2299 or [email protected]. Visit RHS on Facebook for updates and posts of local historical interest.

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Did car dealerships and paper mills ever exist in downtown Chagrin Falls? Take the Chagrin Falls Historical Society Tour to find out

• Updated: Jul. 10, 2024, 9:02 a.m.
• | Published: Jul. 10, 2024, 7:32 a.m.

Is one of the oldest hardware stores in the country -- Chagrin Hardware haunted or does it just host an annual Halloween party -- take the Chagrin Falls Historical Society Tour to find out. Matt Leavitt

• Matt Leavitt, special to cleveland.com

CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Want to shake up the usual summer Saturday morning routine of mowing the lawn, organizing the garage, or watching the news? Meet your Chagrin Falls Historical Society’s tour guide -- Scott Hageman.

Hageman (Chagrin Falls High School Class of 1976) a lifelong Chagrin Falls resident has been interested in Chagrin Falls history since he was a kid. Beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in the late spring and extending to the early fall -- Hageman tells the story of how Chagrin Falls transformed from a dusty, smelly mill town to its current state of a bustling, vibrant tourist attraction.

The group on the walking tour will learn how the Chagrin River was re-routed from the center of town to its current location and how Triangle Park in downtown Chagrin Falls used to have a certain water feature. Hageman will tell the account of Chagrin Falls’ only bank robbery that turned into a murder at the current Fortis Sporting Goods Store.

During the one-hour tour, the historical tour guide will detail many of the downtown buildings in Chagrin Falls, including how the building that represents the village’s iconic Popcorn Shop has been moved from its original location. Speaking of the Popcorn Shop -- Hageman will share the story of an ex-president accidentally leaving his popcorn purchase at the store.

For those who love the subject of ghosts -- Hageman will discuss whether Chagrin Hardware - one of the oldest hardware stores in the country -- is haunted or talk about “ghost signs” on various downtown buildings.

Saturday morning walking tours are scheduled for July 13 through September 28. To reserve your tour and see further details click on https://www.chagrinhistorical.org/explore-chagrin-falls-2/.

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The Wisconsin Black Historical Society collects Black history artifacts. Here's what to expect on a visit

Clayborn Benson , a retired photojournalist, opened the Wisconsin Black Historical Society in 1987. Benson was inspired to start the society — which collects and preserves artifacts of Wisconsin's Black history, displays exhibits and hosts tours and lectures — after he researched and produced a documentary called "Black Communities" in the 1980s.

Benson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in February 2024 that his love of history started as a child growing up in Milwaukee. He said, "My father would tell me stories of the people who lived here, and then, when he taught me to drive, we would drive past different places where things had happened in Milwaukee’s history."

Here's what you should know about the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum.

Where is the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

The Wisconsin Black Historical Society is at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee.

What are the hours for the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

The society is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. It's closed Sunday. The society is also closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

How much does admission cost?

Admission costs $10. Members receive free admission.

Annual membership levels are available at different price points. Individual memberships ($25), senior/student memberships ($15) and family memberships ($50) entitle holders to free admission, invitations to exhibition openings and preview days, and discounts on merchandise, lectures, trips and tours. Memberships at the contributor ($150), patron ($350) and business ($500) levels entitle holders to the same benefits as well as being listed as supporters of the museum. There are also several corporate level memberships available.

Are tours available?

The historical society offers guided tours to groups from schools, community organizations and others. To schedule a group tour, visitors should call the museum at least two weeks in advance at (414) 372-7677 and fill out the online group tour form and email it to [email protected].

What kinds of exhibits are at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society?

There are several exhibits showcasing artifacts of Black history and providing context for Wisconsin's place in American history. Some of those exhibits include:

• Work’n in the promised land: The African American labor experience in Wisconsin: This exhibit focuses on historical events that have affected Black workers, particularly in Wisconsin.
• Ancient Egypt to Modern Milwaukee: This mural by artist George Gist is described on the society's website as "a larger-than-life panorama of African American history" that traces the stories of Black people from ancient civilizations to rural Wisconsin settlements to modern-day Milwaukee.
• NAACP Civil Rights Tribute Bus Exhibit: In 2004, the Milwaukee County Transit system created a Civil Rights tribute bus to honor the 2005 NAACP convention that was held in Milwaukee. The bus depicted Civil Rights pioneers, including Milwaukee legends Lloyd Barbee, Vel Philips and Father James Groppi.

Does the Wisconsin Black Historical Society have resources for students?

The Black historical society website has a learning center with links to lesson plans, articles and worksheets regarding people and events in Wisconsin's Black history. Examples include:

• a lesson plan about Milwaukee's abolitionist movement
• a 1950 guide to African American businesses in Wisconsin
• the transcript of an interview with a woman who moved to Beloit from Mississippi during the Great Migration
• several biographies of prominent people in Wisconsin's Black history

What if I have an artifact to donate?

Because the society documents local history, they welcome people's donations of artifacts or documents. According to the society's website , they're particularly interested in the following items from the 19th century:

• Photographs depicting neighborhoods of early Black Milwaukee
• Materials that document Black-owned businesses in early Milwaukee
• Everyday garments worn by early Black Milwaukeeans
• Uniforms and any other work-related items
• Materials depicting the Civil Rights struggle, sit-ins and the March on Milwaukee

If you have something to donate, call or write to the museum to describe the item. Calls can be made to (414) 372-7677. Letters should be sent to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society at 2620 W. Center St., Milwaukee, WI, 53206.

Although the museum does not guarantee items will be displayed, they will be preserved at the society.