The Hermitage is an outstanding example of a mid-nineteenth century Tudor Gothic cottage villa, remodeled by architect William H. Ranlett in 1847-48. It also incorporates some of the walls and architectural fragments of a mid-eighteenth century house that was owned by American statesman Aaron Burr. The house is furnished to reflect the late Victorian era during the 163-year occupancy of the Rosencrantz family from 1807 to 1970. A landscape plan developed when the house was remodeled compliments the villa's irregular, naturalistic and romantic appearance, but the full plan was never executed. The Hermitage provides educational programs to more than 13,500 visitors annually.

The grant helped fund the production of a 15-minute video using the script prepared with aid from a 2001 Trust grant. The video, with closed caption subtitles, ensures that people who are hearing-impaired or physically unable to access the second floor and other spaces open to the public, have an alternative to the docent tour that provides a complete visitor experience of the historic house museum. The video is also presented in the visitor center prior to the docent tour as an orientation to the site and its history.

The 2001 grant funded the preparation of a script for an interpretive video that will provide a virtual tour for individuals who are physically unable to explore the house.

The 1990 Trust grant funded the restoration of the gardens to their 1887 appearance.

For more information, visit: www.thehermitage.org