Hearthstone Historic House Museum

Hearthstone House was the first house in the world lit with an Edison central hydroelectric station. It was lit on September 30, 1882 along with the Appleton Paper and Pulp Company and the Kimberly-Clark Vulcan Paper Mill - only Hearthstone survives. 

This was the first time in the world that several buildings were lit with a central hydroelectric station using the Edison system. Only one other central station in the nation existed: Thomas Edison's Pearl Street Station in New York City.  It was powered by steam and only lit businesses.

In 1986 the City of Appleton considered razing the building. A grass-roots effort by 13 or more Appleton residents raised enough money to purchase the property in December 1986, saving it from destruction. The group formed the Friends of Hearthstone, Inc. and opened the home as a museum emphasizing its Edison heritage.  Today guests from throughout the country and the world tour this amazing example of early domestic electricity.

Hours
     Tuesday - Friday          10:00am - 3:30pm
     Saturday                        11:00am - 3:30pm
     Sunday                           1:00pm - 3:30pm

Prices (cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and Discover accepted)
     Adults                                        $6.00
     Seniors/ AAA                            $5.00
     Children (5-17)                        $3.00
     Children under 5                     Free
     Friends of Hearthstone          Free

To schedule a group tour (10 or more) or for more info-- (920)730-8204
                                                                                                      heartheducator@att.net

Located at
625 W. Prospect
Appleton, WI  54911

For interactive driving directions from the Holiday Inn Appleton to Hearthstone Historic House, click here