Explore Museums in Downtown Appleton
Are you just itching to get out of your home or for something exciting to do at home with your family? Well, we got you covered! From art to history to the first home with electricity, the Appleton area has six different eye-opening museums for you and your family to enjoy. Each museum provides different precautions to keep you safe as well as different activities you can enjoy with your family. Down below we have listed the museums and what services they are providing.
Hearthstone Historic House Museum
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is known as the first house in the United States to be hydroelectric powered and is now open for small group tours. Small group tours consist of eight guests per tour and face masks are required. Hearthstone's hours are Thursday through Saturday 10:00am to 3:30pm and Sundays 1:00pm to 3:30pm. Also, Hearthstone is providing exciting exhibits online! These exhibits include the history of toilet paper and looking at Kitty Rogers’ wedding 130 years ago. You can locate these online exhibits as well as more information on their in-person tours on their website.
Trout Museum of Art
The Trout Museum of Art is staying busy this summer with virtual exhibits, in person exhibits, AND camps! TMA is providing a way to experience the museum without having to leave your home through virtual exhibits. The exhibits include Art is Her and 40th Annual SECURA Fine Arts Exhibition. TMA is also issuing small group in person exhibit tours. To enjoy in person tours, you can schedule a tour online. At the museum, face masks are required as well as sanitizing before entering the building. Camps this summer are limited, but they are still partaking in some including a portfolio prep class and oil painting classes. For more information on their in-person tours and their summer camps, check out their website or click here.
History Museum at the Castle
The History Museum at the Castle has officially opened their doors and is showcasing their wonderful, but modified exhibits. Due to recent events, the museum decided to take away all hands-on activities throughout the museum as well as enhancing cleaning procedures. During your visit at the museum, face masks and social distancing are required while you walk through exhibits of Fox Cities ABC’s, Tools of Change and much more. The History Museum is also issuing online exhibits through their website like the history of women and voting rights as well as African American history in the Fox Cities. To purchase your tickets and to learn about these online exhibits, reach out to their website or click here.
Appleton Historical Society
Due to recent events, the Appleton Historical Society is not open on a regular basis, but you can call and schedule an appointment to visit the museum. If you are a history buff like we are, you can still learn about the Appleton’s history through their website or click here. They provide multiple links to archives of newspapers to historical maps of Appleton. Do not forget! Make sure you follow them on Facebook so you can stay updated on the new exhibits that will be opening in a couple of weeks.
Paper Discovery Center
The Paper Discovery Center has decided to stay closed to the public during this time, but that has not stopped them from connecting with the Appleton community. On their Facebook page, they are posting DIY crafts for families to enjoy, like the 3-D Hand Project. But the fun does not stop there, they are also offering crafts to-go for kids like Tie-Dye kits and Seed Paper Flower Kits. To purchase these fun family friendly crafts, head out to their website or click here!
Building for Kids Children's Museum
Tours, small group workshops, virtual programs, Oh My! The Building for Kids has announced that they are in Phase 2 of their reopening. This means that the virtual programs provided every weekend through Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube will continue, but also the museum is open to the public. The museum is letting families register online to spend one hour at the museum in one of four exhibits. In other words, each family will receive exclusive access to one exhibit during their time there as well as their own private bathroom. During their visit, everyone is required to wear a face mask and extra sanitization is recommended. The Building for Kids is also providing small group programs where multiple households are at distanced work spaces. To register for in person exhibits or small group programs, head out over to their website or click here.
These downtown museums are packed with activities for you and your family members to enjoy. There are multiple online exhibits, DIY craft inspiration, and in person exhibits. Don’t forget to follow all of these museums on Facebook or Instagram to stay tuned on their upcoming events, projects, and COVID-19 updates.
Enjoy exploring the beautiful wonders of Downtown Appleton!