Mystery at the Museum Spring 2024

Additional Date added, May 4, 6:30 - 9:30 PM

Because of the unprecedented demand and overwhelming support that we have received from the community for our Mystery event, we have added one additional date. We can’t thank everyone enough for making this event one of our most successful ever. To each and every ticketholder we extend our deep appreciation for your help in making all of programming possible.

Test your sleuthing skills as you join other guests - all in character and in costume - to solve a murder that happens (almost) 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:

• February 3 - SOLD OUT

• February 16 - SOLD OUT

• March 2 - SOLD OUT

• March 15 - SOLD OUT

• April 5 - SOLD OUT

• April 20 - SOLD OUT

• May 4

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.

Summer on the Veranda

MONTHLY ON SELECT FRIDAY EVENINGS FROM 5:00 - 7:00 PM

starting May 3

Do you revel in HBO’s The Gilded Age? Have you ever wanted to feel like a part of Miss Scarlet or Murdock Mysteries? Or maybe that you just stepped off the pages of a Sherlock Holmes short story or Bram Stoker’s Dracula? You can, at Summer on the Veranda.

Relax in late Victorian splendor while you stroll the veranda and first floor at Hearthstone, our beautifully restored 1882 Queen Anne Style residence. Immerse yourself in the period, listening to performances on our 1875 square grand piano with a cool drink in hand served by maids and butlers in livery.

Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their best late Victorian attire. (Think Bridgerton but with even fancier finery.) Don’t worry if “you have nothing to wear,” anything that makes will feel elegant and pampered will more than suffice. (Hey, don’t you still have that bride’s maid dress? That will be perfect. Seriously.) Even just adding a hat will more than do. Ladies are encouraged to wear their best Victorian hats (it will get you ready for the next day’s Kentucky Derby) as beautiful hats were de rigueur for Victorian ladies. Gents can sport their own top hat, boater, or bowler. In fact, if you do not have a ladies’ or gentlemen’s hat, we will gladly lend you one from our recreation collection.

Our docents will be dressed up as well playing the roles of hostess or the Rogers’ servants as they welcome you into the home while serving complementary lemonade, iced tea, white wine, or mint juleps. (Did we mention the Kentucky Derby?)

But don’t feel like you have to dress up. The evening is really about slowing down the pace of life while experiencing the lavish surroundings of Hearthstone.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Proceeds support all of the museum’s operations, including its educational programming. Tickets include beverages. Please note: Tickets are strictly limited. Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended as the evenings sell out quickly.

Celebrate Mother's Day with Free Admission for Moms

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Doesn’t Mom deserve a little special treatment? Of course, she does! On Mother’s Day, each mom receives free admission to Hearthstone with a paid admission (because of course you want to go with her). What better way to celebrate Mom’s special day than in the special surroundings of Hearthstone. Plus, our docents will be sharing stories of Hearthstone’s first women - Cremora Rogers, Florence Rogers, and Mary Deimer.

It’s a Mother’s Day celebration of historic proportions!

Advanced ticket sales are encouraged but not required. Moms do not need a ticket if accompanied by paid admission.

Fox Valley Homicide: No Perfect Crime Book Signing

May 23, 6:00 pm

When a high-profile political candidate is murdered in her upscale Wisconsin home, all of the evidence points to one man. But when the crime scene is almost too perfect, sometimes you need to view things from a different perspective. Does Lieutenant Kurt Singer, a counterintelligence officer turned Appleton Police Detective, possess the skills to learn the truth?

Hearthstone welcomes Green Bay author David Jones for this evening of museums and murder! The evening will feature David doing a dramatic reading from his newest novel No Perfect Crime as well as signing copies for purchase.

A special note: A good portion of the novel takes place in Hearthstone and includes a character named Lynne Phillips who just happens to be the museum’s curation director! Coincidence? Absolutely not! How often do you get a chance to hear an author read his work where much of the novel takes place!

This is David’s sixth book, all of which will be available at the signing and from the museum’s gift shop.

The event is free. Seating is on a first come basis. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Please join us.