Hearthstone Historic House Museum
625 West Prospect Ave., Appleton, Wisconsin
The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is best known as the first home in the United States to be lit by a hydroelectric station based on Thomas Edison's plans. Visit the house to learn about area history, marvel at the 1882 mansion's opulent interiors, and take a guided tour to see the original electroliers, light switches, and wiring.
As an important piece of American engineering history, the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a popular Appleton destination and a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts. The Queen Anne–style home is carefully preserved and contains details like ornate carvings, wainscoting, and decorative glass detailing. Take a guided tour, which offers access to both the permanent and temporary exhibits; it’s best to pre-book your tour as they’re only offered four days a week.
Design fans and history enthusiasts will appreciate the home and its exhibits.
Visitors are escorted around the museum by a docent on small-group tours.
If you're visiting more than one museum in town, be sure to buy a discounted Museums of Appleton pass.
Check the calendar for special events.
The first floor and lower level of the house are wheelchair accessible, but the second floor is not.
The most convenient way to reach the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is to drive. The museum is just north of Lake Winnebago, off of South Memorial Drive in Appleton. Take Highway 47 toward Appleton; the road becomes West Prospect Avenue, and the museum is at 625 West Prospect Avenue.
Visitors to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum must book a docent-led tour to see the house. Daytime tours are held Thursday through Sunday and begin every few minutes. If you love Halloween, be sure to check out the museum’s seasonal haunted tours, offered on Friday evenings in October.
To continue a day of cultural enrichment, head to the nearby Trout Museum of Art. This fine arts institution is located just a short walk from the Hearthstone Historic House and offers rotating exhibitions celebrating the visual arts. Music lovers can take in a concert with Jazz at the Trout—a monthly music series—while families with kids can take advantage of weekly drop-in arts classes.
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