Halloween At The Hermitage

RIGHT HERE IN Ho-Ho-Kus, an absolute historical gem sits on Franklin Turnpike, set back from the road. The Hermitage is a history buff’s delight, perhaps best known as a stop for George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary War and the site of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost’s wedding.

And with all that history (along with a notably ominous presence that the Gothic Revival style Victorian home commands) there are bound to be some rumors of hauntings.

Take it from Hermitage Events and Services Manager Christine Blaylock: “It’s a creepy old house,” she says. “Year round, people want to hear about the ghosts and the hauntings. Inevitably, on some tour every single week someone will ask.”

And October is the time for those that love macabre stories to visit. For many years, it was taboo to speak about ghosts and hauntings (the property is owned by the state of New Jersey, and it was frowned upon). But during the month of Halloween, they get a pass.

After all, ghost stories are really part of the fabric of the Hermitage. The Rosencrantz family occupied the house for 1G3 years over four generations. Members Aunt Bess and Mary Elizabeth were known to regale guests with tales of hauntings.

“People love it! Absolutely anything supernatural or paranormal, they eat it up,” Blaylock says.

Having spent a lot of time on the property, she’s experienced her fair share of suspicious activity: hearing footsteps and whispers while alone in the house, noticing lights on that she’s certain were left off, and cabinets open that she knows were shut.

“There are things that happen regularly that you just can’t explain,” she says. “Whether or not that’s actually a ghost, who’s to say? But there’s no reasonable explanation.”

Blaylock and Hermitage Director of Development Julie Zier say 80 to 90% of people that come on regular tours, held throughout the year, say they drive by the property every day and had no idea what it was until they decided to stop in one day.

“The Halloween events are a good time to get people here—it expands our audience significantly,” Blaylock says. “They come for the ghosts but are blown away by the history here. They’ll say, ‘Wait, the George Washington? The Aaron Burr?’ They want to hear more.”

Throughout the spooky season, the Hermitage will host a variety of events that are sure to thrill Halloween (and history) lovers. Make sure you visit the Hermitage website early to check ticket availability. Many of these events are incredibly popular and sell out quickly.

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MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY

When: Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $90 per person or $170 for a pair at thehermitage.org/events.

The Hermitage and Murder Café present a Murder Mystery Dinner Party, where attendees are invited to dine with William Rosencrantz and his gracious wife Mary Warner at their stately Hermitage estate. Get swept into a night of laughter, gossip, and high society secrets—until the evening takes a chilling turn. Can you unravel the mystery before the final course is served? The evening will feature a buffet dinner, cash bar, entertainment, and prizes.

LEGENDS & LORE

When: Oct. 18, 19, 24, and 26 at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m.

Tickets: $25 at thehermitage.org/events. This spine-tingling candlelight journey through the Hermitage is sure to captivate attendees, as docents share chilling tales of unexplained happenings at the home that have been whispered through generations and are still recounted today. Is it legend? Memory? Or something still alive in the silence of the night?

GHOST TOURS & SPIRITUAL CHANNELING WITH CRAIG MCMANUS

When: Oct. 24 and 26 at 9 p.m.

Tickets: $75 at thehermitage.org/events. Step into the shadows of our enchanting Victorian mansion for unforgettable ghost tours led by the renowned spiritual medium Craig McManus. Wander candlelit halls, hear chilling tales of restless spirits, and gather in the opulent front parlor to perhaps connect with voices from beyond. Are you ready to meet the other side? Note: 90-minute tours include walking and stairs and are dimly lit. This event is not recommended for those under age 16.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

When: Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $20 at thehermitage.org/events.

Enter a world turned upside down in “Night of the Living Dead,” a play inspired by the iconic zombie horror film. This gripping performance plunges audience members into a pulse-raising struggle for survival as the flesh-hungry creatures close in. No one is merely a spectator in this immersive experience that Blaylock describes as “campy creepy.” About 20 actors from First Flight Theatre Company will put on this show, with help from the audience.

AN AFTERNOON OF CHANNELING WITH MEDIUM CRAIG MCMANUS

When: Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Tickets: $80 at thehermitage.org/events. Join Ho-Ho-Kus medium Craig McManus for a powerful and uplifting group gathering devoted to connecting attendees with loved ones who have crossed over. This event is sure to offer messages of love, hope, inspiration, and healing, providing meaningful evidence of life after life. Attendance does not guarantee a reading, and seating is limited. The event is not recommended for those under age 16. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

BY SARAH NOLAN