The 39 Steps Present Harvey

January 24 at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

“Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it.”

-Elwood P. Dowd

Join The 39 Steps theater group as they present the Pulitzer Prize winning play Harvey in the beautiful surroundings of Hearthstone Historic House Museum. Seating is very limited.

Mystery at the Museum - Spring 2024

Select Friday and Saturday Evenings, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Test your sleuthing skills as you join other guests - all in character and in costume - to solve a murder that happens right before your very eyes. It is an Agatha Christie novel come to life in the sumptuous surroundings of Hearthstone’s beautiful Victorian interiors (what could be more Agatha Christie than that!).

The night features heavy hors d'oeuvres and wine and soft drinks served by the museum’s volunteers dressed as maids and butlers while guests interact (in character, of course) to figure out who had motive and opportunity to do the dastardly deed. It is a night dedicated to mayhem, murder, and fun!

It is strongly suggested that tickets be purchased at least two week before the night of each event. Purchasers will then receive their character information and costume suggestions (which can be as elaborate or as simple as guests would like - but be aware that there is a prize for best dressed!). Prizes are also awarded to the best actress or actor and for the first to correctly solve the “who did it!”

All proceeds of Hearthstone’s “Mystery” events support museum operations. The museum staff and volunteers deeply appreciate the support of the museum and, in particular, its educational programming.

Scheduled dates are as follows:

• January 31 (SOLD OUT)

• February 15 (SOLD OUT)

• February 28 (ONLY ONE TICKET LEFT)

• Additional dates may be added.

Please note the following:

• Each new season of Mystery at the Museum features a new crime to solve. If you have played in the past, please join us for a new mystery this year. However, we ask that once you have played this year that you do not share the solution with others outside of your party.

• Unfortunately, because of the nature of the event, there can be ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS for tickets. Guests who are unable to attend are responsible for finding a replacement to play their role and use their ticket. This is required as all characters are essential for the mystery to be played.

• Guests must make museum staff aware of any food allergies at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. Every effort will be made to comply with guest requirements, but the caterer CANNOT guarantee allergen-free ingredients.

• This is a “21 and older” event.

• Evenings sell out quickly. Additional evenings may be added in the future to accommodate demand but these are not guaranteed.

• Please make sure that your email address is accurate when buying tickets. Your confirmation email serves as your ticket to the event.

Thomas Edison's 178th Birthday Celebration!

Saturday, February 8, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thomas Edison invented over one thousand marvels, not only including the practical electric light and movies, but also his favorite invention, the phonograph. Edison experts Robin & Joan Rolfs will be at Hearthstone from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm playing music (the recordings are over 100 years old) on Edison phonographs to celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday (which is technically February 11 but, hey, the man deserves a bigger celebration than just one day can provide!).

The musical interludes are a part of every regular daytime tour of the Hearthstone on February 8.

Special Edison Presentation: Edison’s Favorite Invention - The Phonograph

Saturday, February 8, 4:00 pM - 6:00 PM

Cost is $15.00.

Imagine what it was like to first hear a recorded human voice. Or recorded musical instruments. Imagine how the world of music would now be opened up to you for the very first time because of the magic of recordings.

Join Robin & Joan Rolfs, historians of Thomas Edison, who will take you back in time as jobbers working for Edison to introduce you to the great inventions of the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”

When the phonograph was first invented, just playing one made the newspapers! On Thursday, April 17, 1879, Appleton Post stated:

“On Saturday evening next, an exhibition of Edison’s improved phonograph will be given at the Konemic (Odd Fellow) Hall… This is a rare opportunity to see an exhibition of Edison’s most wonderful invention and should be approved by all.”

Another article dated April 1890 from the Appleton Post declared:

“The great attraction at C.F. Rose & Co. store was a phonograph. The machine was received in the morning and all-day people were gathered about it listening to the reproduction of music that was played on different instruments in various parts of the country a year or more ago.”

As special treats, guests on this tour will be be able to participate in a live recording on an Edison phonograph. Then following the tour, guests can relax and enjoy birthday cake and coffee brewed with an Edison electric percolator.

Join us for a very special celebration.