{ FIELD TRIPS }
THE WORLD’S A C Whatever your young scholar’s passion, there’s a nearby place to visit for lively, on-the-spot learning. By Darius Amos
Kids have proved they can learn in any environment, from a traditional school setting to a makeshift desk at the kitchen table. But enrichment often goes beyond a classroom curriculum, and students are encouraged to explore their interests by going out into the “real” world— whether they’re a budding William Shakespeare or Elon Musk. Happily, our area abounds in educational places to visit for which no textbook or computer-screen image is an adequate substitute. Which of these categories describes your young scholar? (Hint: You don’t have to stick with just one.)
HISTORY BUFFS:
Perhaps your kids saw the Broadway production of Hamilton, either on TV or on stage prepandemic, or maybe they’re curious about life in their greatgreat-great-great grandparents’ time. If so, a trip to The Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus is a must. The 4.9-acre property includes the 14-room Gothic Revival house/ museum, Bergen County’s first National Historical Landmark. The Hermitage, along with another dwelling on the original estate owned by the Bartow family, at one time housed revolutionary figures including George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe and the Marquis de Lafayette. It’s also the site where Theodosia Bartow Prevost married Aaron Burr after her first husband (a British Army officer) died during the war in 1782. Besides the Hermitage, which is open all year long, the grounds include revolutionary artifacts, the 1890 John Rosencrantz home and gardens maintained by the Master Gardeners of Bergen County.
MUSIC MAKERS:
Whether your budding musician excels on a string, a key or a wind instrument, he or she will appreciate the Mahwah Museum’s Les Paul exhibit. Paul, who lived in Mahwah for nearly six decades, is credited with the creation of the solid-body electric guitar, the preferred style of many of today’s players. In fact, Gibson’s Les Paul model is one of the world’s most popular and recognizable guitars, and many are on display at the museum. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the music legend’s recording equipment, gear that can be used across many genres, from classical and rock ‘n’ roll to jazz and R&B. Want to play like a legend? Schedule an appointment for a jam session in which you can use a guitar once owned by Paul himself. • Mahwah Museum, 201 Franklin Tpke., Mahwah, 201.512.0099; mahwahmuseum.org
• The Hermitage, 335 N. Franklin Tpke., Ho-Ho-Kus, 201.445.8311; thehermitage.org
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AUGUST 2021
7/14/21 3:47 PM
