Hearthstone Historic House Museum Admission Ticket

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Professional guide

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Hearthstone Historic House Museum

625 W Prospect Ave, Appleton United States

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

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.

Admission Included

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.

Reviews

4.90

62 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

It’s a great tour,...
Cinda R,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’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
5.00
This 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
5.00
Our 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
5.00
The 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.
Must See!
Melissa G,
Aug 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
George was an amazing and eager tour guide! He knew his history and was passionate about the history of the house, history of the area and era, historical figures, families who lived at that residence and ALL the things in the Hearthstone House! Just fascinating!! George, I hope you someday soon come across the blueprints of the Hearthstone House!
A most exciting piece of of Appleton history!
Jackie T,
Jul 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The house is Amazing! It was as if the docent knew the original people personally! He really knew his history well! And he was very passionate about it as if it was his own! It was his passion and his willingness to have us interact with him that impressed me most! You won’t walk away from this house without knowing about everybody who lived here! Even Mary, the cook! Be prepared, though the house is not air-conditioned and of course, I attended on one of the hottest days of the year! They did have fans in most rooms, that helped a little! And for one or two that had trouble standing for a long period they were able to provide a couple of chairs! Our host was very caring and accommodating! I totally recommend you put this on your list of things to do, and see!
Hearthstone must see tour
Amy N,
Jul 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience and history tour- a little hot in summer as the house is pre- ac days, but worth the time. Excellent guided tour by volunteers. Really enjoyed the experience.
Wonderful historical home in Appleton, WI
G2398CNcraigl,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Gorgeous house, knowledgeable and friendly guide with a good sense of humor, compelling story of both the family who built the house and the historical significance of the home via the birth of electrical lighting: well worth the visit.
Excellent Hearthstone Experience
Debbie W,
Jan 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The staff was very polite, informative and professional. Architecture was interesting both inside and outside. Many antique articles to look at. Educational. Very well done!
History in a beautiful mansion at Christmas time
Douglas K,
Dec 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
The mansion built in the late 1800's was specially decorated for Christmas. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the home and people who lived there. Excellent 2 hours spent!!!