Hearthstone Historic House Museum is nationally renowned historic site of international significance.

Hearthstone Historic House was the first private residence anywhere in the world to be illuminated using hydroelectricity from a central Edison system.  It is the birthplace of green energy and of where the phrase “turn on the lights” was born. It is the only building still standing from the dawn of electricity. And yet, it is much more.

The residence still contains the original Edison electroliers, original light switches, and some of the world's only examples of original Edison wiring in situ. Hearthstone is on the National Register of Historic Places for its technological, historic, architectural, and artistic significance.

However, this beautifully restored house and museum is more...

It is excellent example of Queen Anne Victorian Style architecture, designed by a leading architect of the day, with breathtaking interiors filled with original works of 19th century art.

It is "hard wired" into local history as its story is the story of the history of Wisconsin, of the founding of the paper industry, of the Gilded Age, of the men - and importantly - women who founded modern America, and of fortunes won and lost.

It is a look into the past but it is also a look to the future - with stories that are relevant today on what it means to be a visionary and what is truly important in life - not fortune but family.

All of this is Hearthstone Historic House Museum.  Please explore to find out more.


Please note that Hearthstone will be closed on Nov 28 and 29 so that our volunteers can enjoy Thanksgiving with their families.


625 West Prospect Avenue - Appleton, Wisconsin 54911 - 920-730-8204

Public Tours
Thursday - Friday - Saturday
(Museum opens at 10:00 am)
10:30 am
12:00 pm
1:30 pm
3:00 pm
Entry 30 minutes prior to each tour.
All tours are guided.
No entry after 3:30 pm. The museum closes at 5:00 pm.

and Sunday
(Museum opens at 1:00 pm)
1:30 pm
3:00 pm
Entry 30 minutes prior to each tour.
All tours are guided.
No entry after 3:30 pm. The museum closes at 5:00 pm.

Large Group and
School Tours

Monday - Wednesday:
10 am - 3:30 pm by appointment. Please reserve a time by using this form.


If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.
— Thomas A. Edison