Hearthstone Historic House Museum — Attraction in Appleton

The Hearthstone Historic House Museum beckons visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. Even before entering the museum, take a moment to admire the magnificent magnolia tree that stands sentinel in front. Its aged beauty hints at the rich history housed within the museum's walls. Step inside Hearthstone and embark on a captivating journey back to the dawn of the electric age. This Queen Anne-style mansion, built in 1882, holds the distinction of being the first residence in the United States powered by a central hydroelectric station based on the Thomas Edison system. Guided tours are the best way to delve into the museum's treasures. As you walk through the meticulously preserved rooms, your guide will shed light on the life and times of Henry James Rogers, the paper industry magnate who once called Hearthstone home. You'll marvel at the original light fixtures, intricate woodwork, and beautiful stained glass that adorn the interior. The Hearthstone Historic House Museum isn't just about showcasing the past; it brings history to life. The informative exhibits and engaging displays will ignite your curiosity, while the hands-on experiences in the basement's Discovery Center are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique and educational outing in Appleton, the Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a must-visit. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era where innovation and grandeur walked...

The house is great and tour worth while except we had an incident with the volunteer tour guide.

At the end of the tour, this elderly white woman took an interest in my family. She chatted with my white British husband about how great it is he immigrated to the US. And about how hard it was for her white German parents to assimilate.

As I was talking she suddenly interrupted me to turn to my 16 year old foreign exchange student from Bangladesh. "Are you from India?" She said as she got very close, within inches of her face. Happy to share, the minor, not white, child shared how she is a student and happy to be here for the school year.

"But then you go home, right?" The old lady demanded. She began poking the girl's chest with her finger

"Yes! Like I said, I am here on a student visa so I go home after 10 months - "

The lady interrupted her, "GOOD. Because you people usually stay and take the jobs" still standing within inches of her face and poking her chest.

We left as quickly and politely as we could, shocked by the encounter.

We were all so excited to return for holiday exhibits but now we...

What an amazing place. The tour states that it's about an hour, but you could tell how in love the house and the history our house was, and th tour was about an hour and 45 mins.

Every detail of the house is preserved and it's fascinating that through varied ownership how much remained original.

Even though the items displayed aren't specifically original to the house it's all time period correct, and donated from locals to showcase their respect for the house.

Room to room there is so much to see in every corner. Our guide knew every knook of the house, gave time for photos, and really wanted to ensure each member on the tour had time to appreciate the environment around them.

Entry was around 12$s per person and I saw comments saying it was pricey in some reviews. You can't eat at Burger King for that price, or see a film. This is well worth the money but knowing it preserves such a beautiful landmark is more than enough for the...