The History Museum at the Castle

Inside the walls of The History Museum, the past comes alive through the stories, photographs and artifacts of people of the Fox Valley. Their mission is to inspire appreciation for the rich history of the Fox River Valley area communities through the collections, exhibits, and education at The History Museum at the Castle. Owned and operated by the Outagamie County Historical Society, The History Museum holds the collections representing the history of the Fox Valley dating back to 1840s.

Exhibits

• A.K.A. Houdini: The History Museum gathers, interprets, and disseminates information related to the life and career of Harry Houdini who claimed Appleton, Wisconsin as his home-town. The A.K.A. Houdini exhibit lets you experience some of Harry Houdini's tricks of the trade through hands-on activities. It is great fun for the whole family!

• Sports & Spirit: This exhibit offers opportunities for families to learn together. One-of-a-kind artifacts, colorful large-scale graphics, and multi-media technology deliver a powerful experience that both entertains and enriches. Try on jerseys and equipment in the "locker room", learn cheers from the 1920s through today demonstrated by Appleton West cheerleaders, "guess that smell”, and compare your vertical leap to basketball players of the past.

• Why McCarthy: Senator Joseph McCarthy, born and raised in the Appleton area, went on to become the figure-head of anti-communist persecutions in the 1950s. An icon of the Cold War Era, his controversial role in the Red Scare led to the blacklisting of hundreds of Americans. Senator Joseph McCarthy’s bronze bust is the centerpiece of a new, permanent installation entitled, Why McCarthy?
  
  
• Tools of Change: Examine the tools, the people, the work and everyday life in the Fox Valley region from 1840 to 1950. See the bank in Nichols that was robbed and the Model T Ford in a vintage gas station.

And much more!

Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday          10:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday                                   10:00am - 8:00pm
Friday & Saturday                    10:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday                                      12:00pm - 4:00pm
**Open Mondays between Memorial Day and Labor Day**

Admission
Adults                                                               $7.50
Seniors & Students with ID                          $5.50
Children (5-17)                                               $3.50
Children (Under 5)                                         Free
Families (2 adults & minor children)          $20.00
Members                                                          Free

For group rates and more information call (920)735-9370

Located at
330 E. College Ave.
Appleton, WI   54911

For an interactive driving map from the hotel, click here