Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
The Hearthstone is a large, beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian Style home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. On September 30, 1882, Hearthstone was the first house in the world to be lit by an Edison central hydroelectric power station. The house retains many unique, genuine features, including the original Thomas Edison electroliers and light switches.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The first floor and lower level of the mansion are wheelchair accessible via an electric lift. The only means of access to the second floor are stairs, due to the historic nature of the mansion.
What To Expect
Hearthstone Historic House Museum
Appleton, Wisconsin was one of the first three cities in the world to be lit by an Edison central power station, the other two being New York and London. This was all due to Henry J. Rogers, who decided to invest in Edison’s power station in order to light two paper mills and his home. Since it became a museum in 1987, Hearthstone’s focus is to preserve the house and its artifacts to re-create a historical experience based on its Thomas A. Edison heritage for the cultural enjoyment and educational benefit of the public through its many exhibits and programs. Guided tours through Hearthstone are offered as well as a chance to explore the various educational exhibits. All tours are guided by trained docents who discuss the history of the house, its unique place in history, its architecture, and the families who have lived there for over 100 years. The exhibits you'll see are dedicated to Edison, his inventive legacy, electricity, and the history of hydroelectricity at the Hearthstone.
Options
Individual or Small Group Tour
Tour times: Thursday-Saturday 10:30am, 12:00pm, 1:30pm & 3:00pm Sunday 1:30pm & 3:00pm. Arrive up to 30 minutes before tour.
What‘s Included
Professional guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting points
Hearthstone Historic House Museum
625 W Prospect Ave, Appleton United States
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
68 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth the time and cost!
865lanettes,Jun 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great to arrive 30 mins prior to the tour to experience the museum on the lower floor. The carved woodwork in the house was beautiful- amazing! Loved to get a glimpse of what life was like back then. Lovely home and great tour guides.
Girls Day - History Tour
Sunshine17205914939,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy online tickets. Great tour guide and tons of interesting history.
Definitely a Must!!
B5959JAkathyb,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed learning the history of this beautiful home. The tour was thorough and our guide very knowledgeable. Definitely worth the time and money.
Small town with a big history
Inocencia C,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide, David, was great. He taught us so much history. Difficult to believe that this was the first fully electric house in the world right here in Appleton, WI.
Fun seeing antique house and learning the history
James P,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ask questions about what you see! There are many little things all around and the guide knows all about things.
Fun and educational
lauravZ7305TZ,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience was fun and informative. Enjoyed learning about Hearthstone and history of Appleton. Recommend everyone should go.
It’s a great tour,...
Cinda R,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a great tour, beautiful house and so many interesting features. The woodworking is amazing! It’s a definite treat.
Great way to spend a Sunday Afternoon
Dreamer64921552966,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a beautiful property. Absolutely worth the visit. Very comprehensive tour. Very pleasant, knowledgeable staff.
Great historical tour!
waldyf,Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was the director and he was great! Full of information and knowledge. He carried the tour for an additional 45 minutes to share all the information he had. You can tell he has done endless research into the Rodger’s family history and Edison’s involvement into their lives. Leaned a lot about Appleton as well. Worth every penny. We highly recommend this tour!
Wish I Could Live Here
D1532TOdianek,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The house was beautiful and very well kept. Our tour guide was very entertaining and knowledgeable. We are senior citizens so the entrance fee was only $9. Well worth the money. We traveled from Milwaukee and we were very impressed with the city of Appleton. The people were very nice and friendly.
Related Experiences
Operated by Hearthstone Historic House Museum