Hearthstone Historic House Museum

Imagine an exquisite Victorian mansion that has forever secured its place in the global history of technology. The Hearthstone Historic House Museum, located in Appleton, USA, is not just an architectural monument, but the place where the era of domestic electricity began. Built in 1882 in the Queen Anne style, it became the world's first private residence to be illuminated by incandescent lamps powered by a central hydroelectric station using the Thomas Edison system.

Today, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a unique museum. Its interior is breathtaking: nine fireplaces decorated with rare imported Minton tiles and intricate woodwork made from local species create an atmosphere of authentic Victorian luxury.

Visitors can admire original stained-glass windows, magnificent cherry and maple parquet floors, and see the very first lighting fixtures that once revolutionized daily life at the end of the 19th century.

For those planning a visit to the Hearthstone Historic House Museum, here are the main contact details for inquiries and navigation.

During your visit to the museum, you can embark on a fascinating journey back in time. The highlight here is a detailed tour of the mansion's rooms, where the original switches, wiring, and Edison lamps have been preserved. This is a rare opportunity to see firsthand the first steps humanity took toward universal electrification, surrounded by the elegant interiors of the Victorian era.

Be sure to stop by the Hydro Adventure Center. It features an interactive model of the world's first central hydroelectric power plant, which will be of interest to both adults and children. The center clearly explains the principles behind the systems of that time, turning the visit into an educational adventure.

Depending on the season, the museum offers different programs. For example, from November to January, a magnificent Christmas display unfolds, filling the house with festive charm. Additionally, temporary exhibitions dedicated to the history of technology and 19th-century domestic life are held regularly throughout the year.

The Hearthstone Museum is conveniently located in the heart of the city, on a bluff overlooking the scenic Fox River. The exact address is 625 W Prospect Ave. If you are traveling by car, look for the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Memorial Drive (Highway 47). Convenient parking is provided for visitors on the estate grounds.

The drive from Appleton International Airport (ATW) takes very little time — approximately 15–20 minutes. You can also use taxi or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the central city districts.

Appleton's public transport also covers the central part of the city, so you can reach the museum by city bus, getting off at one of the stops within walking distance of Memorial Drive. A short walk from the nearest stops to the museum entrance allows you to enjoy views of the river.

The history of this place began in 1882, when Henry James Rogers, a successful entrepreneur in the paper industry, decided to build a luxurious home for his wife, Cremora. The project was entrusted to the renowned architect William Waters. A landmark event occurred on September 30, 1882: the house was illuminated by electric light for the first time, which the local press described as “as bright as day”.

The Rogers family lived on the estate until 1893, after which they moved to Chicago. Over the decades, the building changed hands several times. In the 1960s, the house became the property of the Mares family, and in 1986, it was purchased by the organization Friends of Hearthstone Inc., whose efforts led to the official opening of the museum two years later.

The Hearthstone mansion is a living testament to an era of rapid industrialization and technological progress. It reflects not only the history of electricity but also the development of paper production in the region, as well as providing a detailed insight into the social roles of women and the daily life of the upper class in the late 19th century.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the Victorian architecture and explore all the museum's technical innovations, we recommend planning 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.

This time will be sufficient to complete the standard tour of the house, examine the exhibits in the Hydro Adventure Center in detail, and walk around the grounds to appreciate the exterior of this historical masterpiece.

Please take note of the museum's operating schedule when planning your trip. The main visiting hours are during the latter half of the week:

• Thursday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Monday – Wednesday: Closed

Since tours are conducted on a schedule (usually at 10:30 AM and 12:00 PM from Thursday to Saturday), it is recommended to check current times on the museum's official website before your visit.

A walk through the neighborhood surrounding the house-museum will allow you to immerse yourself even deeper in the atmosphere of the historic center. The Fox River, on whose banks the mansion stands, played a key role in the development of the region's industry, and many interesting sites are located just a few minutes' walk away.

Exploring nearby historical markers and industrial monuments will perfectly complement your experience, creating a complete picture of city life during its technological heyday.