Step back into the dawn of electricity with Hearthstone – truly America’s electrical national treasure. On September 30, 1882, the lights at the Rogers residence, now known as Hearthstone Historic House Museum, came to life, flickered, and then burned steady making the home the first house in the world to be lit by a central hydroelectric station using the Edison system. Relive these excited days when Appleton was the “Silicon Valley” of its day, pushing the limits of new technologies and changing the face of America.
The tour, led by Edison experts Rob and Joan Rolfs, has two stops (Guests use their own transportation).
At Hearthstone, guests will gain insight into electrical lighting, wiring, and other artifacts, most of which are still in use after 139 years. The tour includes some of the earliest examples of light fixtures specifically made for incandescent lamps.
Then, the tour stops at the 1932 working replica of the first Edison Hydroelectric Central Power Station on Vulcan Street. Built for the 50th anniversary of the lighting of Hearthstone, guests will see the plant in operation and learn how Henry Ford donated the Edison “K” Type Dynamo to the project. As a bonus, there will be a special appearance by Thomas Edison, one of the greatest inventors of all time, with over 1093 patents. He will add his expertise to the telling of the story of bringing light to Appleton and the world.
This tour will start at Hearthstone at 1:00 p.m., and continue at 2:00 p.m., after a short drive to 530 S. Vulcan St. in Appleton.
Tickets are $15 and are available exclusively on-line. Attendance is limited. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.
