Guided Tours of Rutherfurd Hall

Unlock the secrets of one of New Jersey’s most prestigious Gilded Age estates during a guided tour of Rutherfurd Hall, a historic mansion that tells the story of American aristocracy, architectural innovation, and personal ties to some of the most influential figures in U.S. history. Step inside the very rooms where the elite once gathered, and let our expert guides lead you through the estate’s remarkable past.

Tour Times:

  • 10:00 AM
  • 11:30 AM

Reserve your spot today by contacting Joan Salvas at jsalvas@aes.k12.nj.us.

Suggested Donation: $10 – All proceeds go toward the preservation and educational programs of Rutherfurd Hall, ensuring its history is protected for future generations.

Tour Highlights:

The Grand Entrance Hall: A Symbol of Prestige

Upon arrival, you will enter the mansion through its magnificent Tudor-style entrance, greeted by the impressive Rutherfurd family crest above the door. Your guide will share the fascinating origins of the Rutherfurd family, who settled in New Jersey in the mid-1700s. As you move into the Grand Foyer, soak in the opulence of the home’s original wood paneling, high ceilings, and intricate details that speak to the family’s wealth and social standing. The house, designed by famed architect Whitney Warren, stands as a pristine example of early 20th-century Tudor Revival architecture​.

The Parlor: Tales of Political and Romantic Intrigue

In the Parlor, your guide will reveal the captivating history of Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd, whose close relationship with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt brought him to this very estate. This room, often used to entertain high-profile guests, holds stories of private conversations and important social gatherings that connected the Rutherfurds to European royalty and American political figures​. As you admire the original furnishings and decorative elements, imagine the vibrant exchanges that once took place in this luxurious setting.

The Dining Room: An Aristocratic Feast

In the Dining Room, your guide will explain how the Rutherfurd family entertained U.S. presidents, European aristocrats, and business tycoons of the Gilded Age. The room’s centerpiece—a grand, ornate fireplace further highlights the family’s aristocratic connections. Imagine the grand feasts and formal dinners that once took place here, as your guide shares anecdotes about notable guests and the family’s lavish lifestyle​.

The Library: A Haven of Knowledge and Influence

One of the most significant rooms in Rutherfurd Hall is the Library, which holds treasures not only in the form of books but also in the form of history. Here, you’ll learn about Lewis Morris Rutherfurd, a pioneering astronomer from the family, who was the first to photograph the moon through a telescope. His groundbreaking work in astronomy connects this rural mansion to some of the most important scientific advancements of the 19th century​. The Library also serves as a quiet retreat where political and philosophical discussions once took place among the elite.

The Games Room/Our Lady of the Angels Chapel

The final stop on your tour is the stunning Games Room/Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. Here, the Rutherfurd Family originally enjoyed billiards, cards and other contemporary entertainments beneath the elaborate ceiling moldings. After the acquisition of the estate by the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Charity in the 1950s, this room was converted into their chapel, named for Our Lady of the Angels.

Tour Extras:

Exhibits

Throughout the tour, visitors will encounter several exhibits featuring historical photographs, original postcards from the estate’s early years, and artifacts that offer a deeper look into the daily life of the Rutherfurd family​.

Tudor Architecture Insights

The tour includes in-depth commentary on the architectural details of the mansion, from its signature half-timbering and steeply pitched roofs to the intricate stonework that makes Rutherfurd Hall an architectural gem of the Country Place Era in American history.

Photo Opportunities

At the end of the tour, visitors are invited to explore the mansion’s gardens, designed by the world-renowned Olmsted Brothers – the same landscape architects who created New York’s Central Park​. These gardens offer the perfect backdrop for photos and a peaceful place to reflect on the history you’ve just uncovered.

Before you visit, watch this video about Allamuchy Farms and their renowned Holstein cattle, Dorset sheep, and smooth fox terrier kennels known as Warren Kennels. (YouTube video below)

Photo gallery coming soon…