MEDIA COVERAGE
Apr 12, 2024
Local author David Jones mentions Hearthstone as a location and features Lynne Phillips, the museum’s curation director as a character, in this new book Fox Valley Homicide: No Perfect Crime. David shares his new book in a segment on WFRV’ TVs Local Five Live.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Mar 7, 2024
Women’s History Month is the subject of conversation on WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley. Host Hayley Tenpas welcomes George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone, to talk about the strong and salient women of Hearthstone who are the subject of this year’s tour: Cremora Rogers, Florence Rogers, Fredricka Crane, and Mary Deimer. George also shares details on another Women’s History Month event, a presentation entitled The Foundations of Society - Women’s Undergarments of the Victorian Age which explores how women were figuratively as well as literally confined by Victorian Society.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Dec 27, 2023
Focus Fox Valley guest host Nanci Micke welcomes Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder into the WHBY studios to spend an hour talking about wrapping up the holiday season with the last weekend of Victorian Christmas as well as upcoming Spring events and educational opportunities.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Dec 7, 2023
NBC26’s Olivia Acree interviews Executive Director George Schroeder regarding Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s spectacular Christmas decorations created from scratch by volunteers from the museum and the Fox Valley Technical College’s National Kitchen and Bath Student Chapter.
Link to coverage.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 28, 2023
George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone Historic House Museum, gets the holiday season started with an hour of conversation on holiday decorations, tours, and events with host Hayley Tenpas on WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley show.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 28, 2023
WFRV TV’s LOCAL 5 LIVE stops in to “Discover the true Twelve Days of Christmas at Hearthstone Historical House Museum.” Volunteer Lauren and Executive Director George Schroeder help tell the stories of this year’s theme, decorations, and the holiday events that support the museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 13, 2023
Just in time for Halloween, Fox 11’s Good Day Wisconsin stops by Hearthstone Historic House Museum on Friday the 13th to hear about the spooky goings-on at the museum. Events include Victorian Mourning and Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age - Season Six.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September 12, 2023
WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley host Hayley Tenpas and Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder share an hour of conversation comparing Appleton’s Octoberfest to Munich’s Oktoberfest, Hearthstone hosting the Max Kade Institute’s exhibit Neighbors Past and Present: The Wisconsin German-American Experience, and the lessons that can be learned from the German-American experience in Appleton that can be applied to every new family that now calls the city its home. The conversation also touches upon the museum’s upcoming Fall tours and theatrical performance.
Link to podcast (starts at 32:40 mark)
MEDIA COVERAGE
June 5, 2023
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder visits WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley guest host Nanci Micke in-studio to update listeners on new tours and events at the museum. They talk about the long history of weddings at the residence, the completion of the restoration of Mary Deimer’s bedroom, upcoming The Other Side of the House experiential servants tour, as well as Summer on the Veranda evening events.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 1, 2023
WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley guest host Nanci Micke welcomes Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder into the studio to chat about what’s new at the museum. Among the featured topics are the restoration of Mary Deimer’s bedroom and the Other Side of the House experiential servants tour. Nanci and George also highlight other upcoming events and tours including Summer on the Veranda and Flowers and Phonographs. George also talks about some of the marvelous inventions created by local fifth graders using the museum’s “Invention Convention” programming.
MEDIA COVERAGE
April 24, 2023
The PBS Wisconsin’s Hometown Stories: Appleton makes its broadcast debut. The episode features Hearthstone Historic House Museum contributes to three of the six segments. Hearthstone Board Co-President Antoinette Powell is interviewed on the early history portion of Appleton. Edison experts and museum volunteers Rob and Joan Rolfs are share their insights in the “Bright as Day” segment on Hearthstone. George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, adds his thoughts to that segment as well as the one on the paper industry.
MEDIA COVERAGE
April 3, 2023
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder sits down for an hour of conversation with WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley guest host Nanci Micke. Their conversation highlights the museum’s tours and other fundraising events being offered in April including the Nooks and Crannies Tour and Mystery at the Museum. George and Nanci also review the breadth of Hearthstone’s educational offerings including the relevance of its field trip tours for elementary students, the museum’s “Invention Convention” programming, and its “Spark Your Imagination” Summer Camps.
MEDIA COVERAGE
March 2, 2023
Dan Larson’s film, The Power of the River, which features information on Hearthstone in several areas, is premiered as part of PBS Wisconsin’s Spring fundraising campaign on Mar 2 at 8:00 pm. The broadcast also includes PBS support drive interludes where Hearthstone tickets are given away as part of thank you from PBS Wisconsin.
MEDIA COVERAGE
February 6, 2023
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder joins WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley host Hayley Tenpas for an hour of conversation to “kick off the new season and share what you've been working on” at the museum. Among the topics discussed were: The museum’s success in 2022; hiatus work to create a “new museum” every year; the installation of the new exhibit The Garden Home: Eben Rexford Exhibit and Gardens; A new story to tell that resonates with use still today – the Dell Ferguson/Adelle McCarthy story; and upcoming events including Edison’s birthday, Nooks and Crannies Tours, and Mystery at the Museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 16, 2022
Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley, welcomes George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone, to her show to talk about the latest in Christmas design trends… for 1882! He also shares details on the museum’s upcoming holiday events includes the special How the Victorians Invented Christmas tours, Edison Christmas Lights presentation, and the Victorian Christmas: 1882 open house events.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September 29, 2022
The museum’s Executive Director George Schroeder shares an hour of conversation with host Hayley Tenpas and her listeners on WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley show discussing the museum’s 140th anniversary celebration, its new green energy initiative, and its Halloween special events.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September 27, 2022
WFRV’s Local Five Live morning show reporter Jordan Lamers interviews Hearthstone’s intern Carina Bryan and Executive Director George Schroeder on upcoming museum events including the September 30 reenactment to mark the 140th anniversary of the lighting of the residence as well as Halloween offerings including the Horrors of the Household tour and the theatrical performance entitled Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September, 2022
Hearthstone Historic House Museum was the non-profit of the month on The Avenue 91.1 in September to coincide with the 140th anniversary. This included: Daily 30 second spots with Song of the Day at 12:20pm Monday-Friday.; additional 3-5 minutes edited canned interviews covering the notable things the museum does in-house and in the community which ran multiple times during the day to hit a variety of audiences (AM drive, lunch, PM drive, evening, etc.); live ten minute interview on stage with Steve March-Torme at August Haven on September 22.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 23, 2022
WFRV reporter Indiana Schilz files her report entitled “The Power of the River debuts in De Pere, showing in Menasha on Thursday” on WFRV’s coverage of the sold out premieres in De Pere.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 22, 2022
Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley, welcomes filmmaker Dan Larson and Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder into the studio for an hour of lively conversation on the premiere of Dan’s new film The Power of The River. Dan discusses his background, other films he has made, and what drew him to this project, among other topics. George talks about his and Hearthstone’s role in the film and how to get tickets for the August 25 premiere which supports the museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 16, 2022
Kelly Smit’s article on The Power of The River is reprinted on the front page of the Post-Crescent under the title “Film Shines Spotlight on River’s History.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 15, 2022
Local 5 Live hosts Lisa Malak and Milliaine Wells welcome cinematographer Dan Larson and Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to the WFRV studios to talk about the premiere of Dan’s new feature-length documentary entitled The Power of The River.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 10, 2022
In her article entitled, “'The Power of the River,' a documentary about the Lower Fox River, premieres Aug. 23 and 25,” Press Gazette reporter Kelly Smits writes about The Power of the River, its premieres on August 23 and 25, and interviews Dan Larson, the movie’s cinematographer, and George Schroeder, Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Executive Director.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 8, 2022
Filmmaker Dan Larson joins us for WBAY’s Action 2 News at 4:30 to discuss his new film The Power of the River and its premieres to support local historical institutions including Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 1, 2022
Livability Magazine singles out Hearthstone Historic House Museum as the thing to do under “How do you spend a weekend in Appleton?” in Appleton’s listing as the 39th “Best Place to Live in the US” for 2022.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 31, 2022
The museum’s Executive Director George Schroeder sits down for an hour of conversation with host Hayley Tenpas on WHBY’s Focus Fox Valley to discuss all things Hearthstone including Victorian landscaping and “No Mow May,” Soldier’s Square revitalization, upcoming Summer events, and a preview of the museum’s celebration of the 140th anniversary of the electric lights being turned on at the residence.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 16, 2022
WLUK reporter Monique Lopez interviews George Schroder, Executive Director at Hearthstone, on the Appleton Common Council committee decision to recommend denial of revitalization of Soldier’s Square and thwart efforts to reverse the degradation of the space and its war memorial.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 1, 2022
Hearthstone is featured on the cover and in the lead article in the May issue of Fox Cities Magazine. The four page article, authored by Senior Editor Grace Olson, is entitled “If These Walls Could Talk” and describes the Valley’s historic architectural significance. The article also highlights the Grignon Mansion and the Grand in Oshkosh.
MEDIA COVERAGE
April 27, 2022
WLUK TV’s reporter Monique Lopez interviews Hearthstone Executive Director George Schroeder on the battle to restore Soldier’s Square and memorialize the sacrifices of area veterans. George mentions how the space has been eroded by decades of city actions. A city Alder is quoted as saying that honoring local veterans is, in effect, a luxury and not a necessity.
MEDIA COVERAGE
February 11, 2022
WFRV’s Local Five Live morning show reporter Jordan Lamers interviews Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder and Edison experts Joan and Rob Rolfs on Hearthstone’s day-long celebration of National Inventors Day and Thomas Edison’s 175th birthday. Among the topics discussed are Edison’s impact on the 20th century, his 1093 patents, and his favorite invention, the phonograph. The Rolfs played a copy of the only recording of Edison’s voice on cylinder. Birthday cake is also served!
Published
article
February 1, 2022
An article written by Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder entitled ‘“Among the Heaviest Capitalists, Appleton’s unsung Paper Barons of the Gilded Age,” was published as the lead article in the Winter/Spring Issue of Voygaeur - Northeast Wisconsin’s Historical Review, Volume 38, Number 2.
MEDIA COVERAGE
January 26, 2022
As a cold spell snaps across Wisconsin, Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY radio’s Focus Fox Valley show, asks George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, questions about staying warm in a Victorian households as well as for a preview of upcoming presentations at the museum celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month.
MEDIA COVERAGE
January 16, 2022
CBS Sunday Morning interviews Chad Shapiro, a renowned collector of early light bulbs, about his passion. Making a cameo appearance during the interview is one of Hearthstone’s resident Edison experts Rob Rolfs.
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 17, 2021
Hearthstone’s George Schroeder visits with WFRV’s studio crew of Local Five Live to talk about the museum’s new holiday exhibit entitled “Victorian Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy." George shares details on the holiday displays and on how to purchase tickets.
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 6, 2021
George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, joins Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY radio’s Focus Fox Valley show, to discuss the museum’s new holiday exhibit entitled “Victorian Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy." George shares the history of holiday traditions, particularly appropriate on St. Nicholas Day, details on the museum’s decorations, and talks about the special events and tours that the museum is offering this holiday season.
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 6, 2021
WFRV’s Local Five Live morning show reporter Jordan Lamers interviews Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder on the museum’s new holiday exhibit “Victorian Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy." Jordan and George chat about the beautiful decorations, events that include performances on the museum’s historic square grand piano, specialty tours that highlight the history of Christmas, and some of the Christmas traditions that were started in the Victorian Era that are still followed today.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 27, 2021
Fox 11 News interviews George Schroeder, Executive Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum to share the museum’s new Christmas exhibit “Victorian Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy.” The piece, entitled “Victorian Christmas display starts at Hearthstone Historic House Museum,” discusses the decorations and the importance for the museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 31, 2021
Appleton Public Library series for children on Facebook entitled “Finding Miss Pa Ja” visited Hearthstone Historic House Museum for a story. Pa Ja Yang also shared information on the museum so that the children viewing the segment could guess where she was located.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 11, 2021
George Schroeder, Executive Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum joins the studio crew at Fox 11’s GOOD DAY WISCONSIN for two live segments at 7:45 am and 8:45 am. The segments focus on the museum’s “Horrors of the Household” tour and the dangers that lurked in every room of a Victorian home. The first segment highlighted dangers in the master bedroom and bathroom. The second segment samples some of the dangers in the kitchen.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 7, 2021
Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY radio’s “Focus Fox Valley” show, shares an hour of conversation with George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director to talk about the museum’s special events and tours in October. George shares details on “Haunted Hearthstone: Sequential Killers of the Victorian IV” as well as “Horrors of the Household.” The interview begins at the 27:51 mark of the broadcast.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 5, 2021
Actresses Debra Barkholtz and Carina Bryan perform a vignette from “Haunted Hearthstone: Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age Part IV” on WFRV’s Local Five Live morning show. Reporter Jordan Lamers also interviews Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder on the importance of the event as a fundraiser, the premise behind it, and Hearthstone’s newest tour “Horrors of the Household” which covers the dangers lurking in every corner of a typical Victorian residence.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 1, 2021
WFRV multimedia reporter Faith Alford interviewed Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder for four live spots on the “Local 5 This Morning” show which airs from 5:00-7:00 am. Interviews were also taped that aired at noon and 4:00 pm. Segments covered “Haunted Hearthstone” and “Horrors of the Household” plus serial killers Lydia Sherman and H.H. Holmes.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 1, 2021
Coverage of “Haunted Hearthstone” is in the October issue of Fox Cities Magazine. The one page article was dedicated to the event including photos.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 1, 2021
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is the subject of a featured article in the Scene section of Appleton Monthly magazine’s October issue. The cover story for the Scene section was titled “Haunted Hearthstone Creepy Tails (sic) of Actual Murders.” The article also carried the title “No Tricks - Hearthstone Halloween Event Based on Real Events.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 24, 2021
Hayley Tenpas, host of WHBY’s “Focus Fox Valley” show, welcomes Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder for an hour of conversation. George shares details on the fundraising that lead to Hearthstone’s exterior restoration as well as the great work done by the artisans that completed the project. George also talks about the challenges that had to be overcome and the spectacular result in addition to focusing on what it means to the community. The interview begins at the 37:11 mark of the podcast.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 20, 2021
WLUK TV’s Nick Harrington interviews George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, on the completion of the museum’s three year, $300,000 complete exterior restoration.
PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces the completion of its three-year, $300,000 top-down total exterior restoration with its release entitled, “Hearthstone Shining Bright after Exterior Restoration Project.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
July 13, 2021
George Schroeder, Executive Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum, joins guest host Jonathan Krause on WHBY’s “Focus Fox Valley” show to talk about the museum. Among the topics discussed are the upcoming “Summer on the Veranda” event, Hearthstone’s just completed three year exterior restoration, and the importance of “Fun-raising” for the museum. George also previews the return of “Mystery at the Mansion” events and a new specialty tour entitled “Horrors of the Household” on the dangers lurking beneath the surface of Victorian Era products, practices, and homes.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 28, 2021
Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s exhibit entitled “America’s Electrical National Treasure” is featured among the “12 Exhibitions Not to Miss This Summer” published by TRAVEL MAG. The article notes that “Wisconsin’s cultural scene has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, with the state now home to numerous exceptional museums – many of which are hosting some great exhibitions this summer.” Hearthstone is listed with other exceptional institutions including the Chazen Museum of Art, Milwaukee Art Museum, Paine Art Center, and Milwaukee Public Museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 3, 2021
Kathy Keene welcomes George Schroeder, Executive Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum, to WHBY’s “The Good Neighbor Show.” Kathy and George talk about a new museum tour entitled “Horrors of the Household” which will lead guests through a thrilling look at the dark side of Victorian homes. Other topics in the house long discussion included the fantastic response to Hearthstone’s virtual second grade tours (800 students so far this school year!), the final stage of the museum’s three year exterior restoration (including a newly discovered exterior paint scheme), and an update on “Mills and Might” which is the next installment in Hearthstone’s Historic Walking Tours of Appleton. Rescheduling of outdoor events, like “Summer on the Veranda”, was also touched upon.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Mar 9, 2021
Tom Nelson, Outagamie County Executive, announces the publication of his new book One Day Stronger - How One Union Local Saved a Mill and Changed an Industry - and What it Means for American Manufacturing. All proceeds of the book will be donated to Jobs with Justice, a nonprofit fighting for workers rights, and Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
Link to One Day Stronger website for additional information and to purchase the book.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Mar 6, 2021
“The Good Neighbor Show’s” host Kathy Keene is joined by guest Craig Trost from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Travel Wisconsin to talk about state-wide travel “must sees” including highlighting Hearthstone Historic House Museum as the first place to visit in Appleton (at the 24:52 mark).
MEDIA COVERAGE
Feb 22, 2021
George Schroeder, Executive Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum, is a guest of Kathy Keene for an hour long conversation on WHBY’s “The Good Neighbor Show.” George and Kathy discuss the museum’s new exhibit on African American inventor Lewis Latimer (unveiled as a part of Black History Month and will continue as a permanent addition to the museum exhibits), “Mills and Might” which is the next installment in Hearthstone’s Historic Walking Tours of Appleton, an update on second grade virtual tours of the museum, and rescheduling of Spring events as conditions change.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Jan 31, 2021
Fox Cities Magazine, Jan 2021, article including Hearthstone’s offerings under in-person exhibits (America’s Electrical National Treasure) and on-line exhibits (Victorian and Edwardian home of Prospect Avenue; Flushed with Success: Milestones in Toilet Paper Development; You’re Invited: The 130th Anniversary of Kitty’s Wedding), p. 9.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Jan 26, 2021
An article written by Robin and Joan Rolfs entitled “Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure” is in the most recent issue of Auction Action Antique News.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Jan 11, 2021
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder enjoys an hour long interview on WHBY’s Good Neighbor Show with host Kathy Keene. George and Kathy discuss hiatus work currently underway, the upcoming Lewis Latimer exhibit set to be unveiled for Black History Month, the just concluded Victorian Christmas: Little Women exhibit, the museum’s second grade virtual tours, on-going volunteer needs, and Hearthstone’s five year plan for future work.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Dec 17, 2020
Hearthstone’s Curation Director Ann Larson chats with Jordan Lamers from WFRV’s Local 5 Live morning show about the museum’s Victorian Christmas: Little Women exhibits and tours. Jordan also visits with Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to discuss the social distancing and other health and safety measures in place at the museum as well as the programs that exhibits like Little Women support.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Nov 28, 2020
WFRV TV interviews Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to talk about the museum’s Victorian Christmas: Little Women exhibit and tours and how funds generated by the annual holiday tours help support the museum’s educational efforts and operations. Video interview was shown on evening news. Written article is on the station website.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 8, 2020
Jordan Lamers from WFRV’s Local 5 Live morning show visits with Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to talk about Haunted Hearthstone and the safety measures put in place for this year’s tours. Performing scenes from this year’s production are Debra Barkholtz, Anne Caylor, and Megan Carpenter.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 7, 2020
Columns, The Newsletter of the Wisconsin Historical Society, covered Hearthstone Historic House Museum being awarded the WHS’s Board of Curators Museum Exhibit Award for the exhibit entitled Kitty's Wedding: You're Invited - The 130th Anniversary of Kitty Rogers' Wedding in the publication’s September-December, 2020 issue.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 5, 2020
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder offers an hour long interview on WHBY’s Good Neighbor Show with Kathy Keene. Among the topics discussed are completion of the Phase 2 exterior restoration and partnership with FVTC Wood Manufacturing Technology Program as well as the retooled “Haunted Hearthstone” Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age - Part III and COVID-19 measures put in place for the tour.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September 15, 2020
Zach Morris welcomes Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to the Focus Fox Valley show to talk about Phase Two of the museum’s exterior restoration as well as “Haunted Hearthstone” Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age - Part III, the museum’s largest annual fundraising event featuring a theatrical look at Victorian serial killers.
PRESS RELEASE
September 10, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces this year’s “Haunted Hearthstone” live theatrical performances of Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age - Part III. “Haunted Hearthstone,” the museum’s largest annual fundraiser, will take place every Friday and Saturday in October under strict timed-entry ticketing and social distancing measures.
MEDIA COVERAGE
September 8, 2020
Volunteers, and in-house Edison experts, Robin and Joan Rolfs’s article entitled “Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure” is featured in Auction Action Antique News. The publication focuses on the U.S. antique market.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 18, 2020
Wisconsin Public Radio’s website features an article on Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s exhibit Flushed with Success: Milestones in Toilet Paper Development. The WPR article entitled “Pandemic Fuels Panic Over Toilet Paper, Museum Rolls With It” contains images and information from the exhibit as well as quotes by Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 10, 2020
Hearthstone’s exhibit is highlighted as one of the 20 Best Things to Do in Appleton, Wisconsin in the blog entitled “Paulina on the Road - Outdoor and Sustainable Travel” authored by a Luxembourg-based travel writer.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 5, 2020
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder is a guest on Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Central Time” where he chats with the show’s host Rob Ferrett about Wisconsin’s history with toilets and toilet paper, as well as Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s on-line exhibit Flushed with Success: Milestones in Toilet Paper Development.
MEDIA COVERAGE
July 30, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Executive Director George Schroeder joins Kathy Keene for an hour interview on WHBY’s “The Good Neighbor Show.” George and Kathy have fun discussing topics as varied as Hearthstone’s new, cell phone-based Historic Walking Tours, self-guided specialty tours within the museum, and beaming second grade tours from the museum to classrooms and homes starting in the Fall. They also discuss continuing exterior restorations, upcoming Halloween events with social distancing in mind, and Hearthstone being honored with the Board of Curators’ Exhibit Award from the Wisconsin Historical Society.
MEDIA COVERAGE
July 10, 2020
Article entitled “Hearthstone Historic House: Receives award from the Wisconsin Historical Society” published on WISBUSINESS.
MEDIA COVERAGE
July 8, 2020
Thomas Weiland, Development Director at Hearthstone Historic House Museum is interviewed by WHBY radio news on the importance of the museum being honored with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Board of Curators’ Museum Exhibit Award.
PRESS RELEASE
July 7, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces two new honors.
First, Hearthstone announces the induction of Henry Rogers, William Van Nortwick, and John Van Nortwick into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.
Second, Hearthstone announces receiving the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Board of Curators 2020 Museum Exhibit Award for its exhibit entitled Kitty's Wedding: You're Invited - The 130th Anniversary of Kitty Rogers' Wedding.
PRESS RELEASE
July 2, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is awarded the 2020 Board of Curators’ Award for Best Museum Exhibit by the Wisconsin Historical Society.
According to the Society’s press release…
The Wisconsin Historical Society is excited to announce that the Hearthstone Historic House is the recipient of the 2020 Museum Exhibit Award (budget less than $5,000) for their temporary exhibit, Kitty’s Wedding: You’re Invited – the 130th Anniversary of Kitty Rogers.
“The Hearthstone Historic House did a great job of recreating the wedding of Kitty Rogers by relying on newspaper accounts of the day, which chronicled every detail,” said Christian Overland, Ruth and Hartley Barker Director & CEO of the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Their curators and volunteers meticulously crafted decorations and what the residence looked like the day of her wedding.”
PRESS RELEASE
May 29, 2020
Fox Cities Museum Coalition Announces Phased Reopening Plans Fox Cities, Wisconsin
Museums in the Fox Cities are working together to develop their phased reopening strategies in line with guidance from state and local health officials. This multi-disciplinary group of museums includes the Bergstrom Mahler Museum of Glass, the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, the History Museum at the Castle, Hearthstone Historic House Museum, the Paper Discovery Center, and the Trout Museum of Art.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 14, 2020
Kathy Keene invites George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone Historic House Museum, to talk about Hearthstone on WHBY’s “The Good Neighbor Show.” George and Kathy talk about the impact on COVID-19 on the museum, the work that is being done to “Make Lemonade from Lemons” during the closure, and in particular the changes that will be made at the museum to protect everyone’s health as well as the new exhibits and on-line tours that will be unveiled as soon as the museum reopens.
MEDIA COVERAGE
March 6, 2020
George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone Historic House Museum, joins WHBY’s Kathy Keene for an hour of conversation on “The Good Neighbor Show.” George and Kathy discuss Hearthstone’s recent restoration of the servant working areas in the lower level of the museum, this summer’s exhibit entitled Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure and related events, as well as other events. These include “Mystery at the Mansion,” Trathnona Eire at Hearthstone for St. Patrick’s Day, “Summer on the Veranda” starting May 1, and Greig recitals on May 9 and 10. George also takes a listener’s call on the importance of getting students involved in history.
MEDIA COVERAGE
March 4, 2020
Robin and Joan Rolfs, Hearthstone volunteers and Edison experts, join Cumulus Broadcasting’s Bill Schultz in studio to discuss their new book Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure. Also joining the conversation is Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder. Heard on WOSH 1490 on March 5, the interviewed was re-aired on March 7 on WNAM 1280.
PRESS RELEASE
February 27, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces its exhibit for 2020 entitled Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure and a companion book by the same title.
As the only building still standing from the dawn of the electrical age, Hearthstone contains an singular collection of original fixtures, switches, and other electrical artifacts. The exhibit will run from February 13 to September 27, 2020.
The exhibit is based on the work of Robin and Joan Rolfs, historians and exhibit curators at Hearthstone, who have written a number of books and articles on topics related to Thomas Edison and electricity. Their newest book, also entitled Hearthstone: America’s Electrical National Treasure, not only covers the electrical features of the museum, it provides detailed insight into the people and events that led to the electrification of Appleton and America.
MEDIA COVERAGE
February 11, 2020
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is highlighted in an article entitled 19 Best Places to Go to for Summer Vacation…Want to Escape the Crowds on Your Summer Vacation? Here's Where to Go by Sara Venteira on BestLife. The Fox Cities (“…a string of charming towns that sit on the banks of Fox River…) are listed along with other destinations such as California’s Sonoma Coast, the Oregon Coast, Cumberland Island in Georgia, and Lana’i, Hawaii.
MEDIA COVERAGE
January 29, 2020
WHBY’s Kathy Keene hosts Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder for an hour long conversation on the “Good Neighbor Show” to talk about Victorian customs, Hearthstone’s new lower level display areas and exhibits, the museum’s “Mystery at the Mansion” fundraisers, Trathnona Eire at Hearthstone for St. Patrick’s Day, and this year’s exterior restoration work.
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 13, 2019
Jordan Lamers from WFRV’s Local 5 Live morning show visits with Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to talk about Christimas at the museum, Victorian traditions, and the beautiful collections on display at Hearthstone for its “Victorian Christmas: Sugar Plums” exhibit.
MEDIA COVERAGE
December 5, 2019
George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone Historic House Museum, joins WHBY’s Nanci Micke for an hour of conversation on “The Good Neighbor Show.” George and Nanci discuss Hearthstone’s “Victorian Christmas: Sugar Plums” exhibits, the museum’s evening live music events, and the differences - as well as the vast similarities - between the way Victorians, like Henry and Cremora Rogers, celebrated Christmas and how we celebrate today.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 26, 2019
Beth Knapinski from the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau joins WTAQ’s The Morning News With Matt & Earl to highlight Hearthstone Historic House Museum as one of the ”Holiday happenings in the Fox Cities!”
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 19, 2019
Volunteer Fox Cities’ blog coverage entitled CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS & RELIVE VICTORIAN TRADITIONS, posted by Jan Sommerfeld, highlights Victorian yuletide traditions and “Victorian Christmas: Sugar Plums” at Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 5, 2019
Hearthstone is listed in “Winter's on Its Way: Six Ideas to Embrace Winter in the Fox Cities,” an article published by the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
MEDIA COVERAGE
November 1, 2019
Hearthstone and its Executive Director George Schroeder are THE 920 FEATURE in the November issue of Appleton Monthly. The feature describes the museum’s recent accomplishments and new initiatives as well as previews the upcoming Victorian Christmas event.
Copies are available at the museum and at scores of locations around the Fox Cities.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 24, 2019
Jordan Lamers from WFRV’s Local 5 Live morning show visits with Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder to talk about Haunted Hearthstone. Performing scenes from this year’s theatrical production are Sandra Ketchum and Ann Sager, playing Lizzie Halliday and Nellie Bye, respectively.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 23, 2019
Beth Knapinski from the Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau joins WTAQ’s The Morning News With Matt & Earl to highlight Haunted Hearthstone as one of the best “Upcoming Events in the Fox Cities!”
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 2, 2019
WTMJ in Milwaukee features Hearthstone Historic House Museum as one of Wisconsin’s “Hidden Gems” in its on-air coverage of Travel Wisconsin: Hidden Gems” in association with TravelWisconsin.com.
MEDIA COVERAGE
October 2, 2019
Kathy Keene, the host of WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show," invites George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, into the studio to spend an hour to talk about “Haunted Hearthstone: Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age - Part II” and Victorian mourning practices to kick off the museum’s Halloween exhibits and events. George also recaps exhibit “Kitty’s Wedding: You’re Invited - The 130th Anniversary of Kitty Rogers’ Wedding.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 26, 2019
Students participating in the Kings Accelerated Summer Program at University of Wisconsin–Fox Valley traveled to Hearthstone Historic House Museum to learn about local history.
MEDIA COVERAGE
August 7, 2019
George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, returns to WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show" to tell listeners about a new exhibit entitled “Kitty’s Wedding: You’re Invited - The 130th Anniversary of Kitty Rogers’ Wedding.” George talks about how many of today’s wedding traditions have their roots in the Victorian Era and details Kitty’s wedding which was described in the local papers as “the most brilliant of any wedding that has occurred in this city for years.” George also discusses how Kitty’s wedding reception will be re-created at Hearthstone which will be transformed with flowers, decorations, wedding cakes and gifts, just as it was 130 years ago.
PRess release
July 30, 2019
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces that it has received a donation of $100,000 from the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. The donation, to be made over a three-year period, is being allocated for the museum’s exterior restoration project.
MEDIA COVERAGE
July 16, 2019
Kathy Keene, the host of WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show," invites George Schroeder, Hearthstone’s Executive Director, into the studio to spend an hour updating listeners on the museum’s exterior restoration project, capital campaign, and upcoming fun events like “Summer on the Veranda” and “You’re Invited: The 130th Anniversary of Kitty’s Wedding.”
MEDIA COVERAGE
July, 2019
A seven-page cover article entitled “A Midwest Museum Gem” in the August, 2019 issue of Model Railroader magazine details the 16 years of effort that local modeler Gordon Lund put into the scale model depiction of Appleton’s riverfront, including Hearthstone Historic House, that is currently on display at the History Museum at the Castle in Appleton. The amazing N gauge layout contains over 100 feet of mainline track that perfectly models 3 miles of riverfront. The full-size Hearthstone, along with its diminutive counterpart, and Henry Rogers are mentioned several times in the article.
MEDIA COVERAGE
July, 2019
Hearthstone Director Jesse Lockstein is profiled in the July issue of Appleton Monthly magazine in an article entitled, “Calling the Show.” The article highlights Jesse’s performing background, his work as stage manager for various local theater productions, and his role in an upcoming production of Clue.
MEDIA COVERAGE
June 28, 2019
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder spends an hour with Kathy Keene on WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show" to talk about the recent Hearthstone’s Invention Convention and STEM education initiative, the museum’s exterior restoration, the Every Solider’s Square Project, and upcoming fun events.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 27, 2019
“Fundraiser for Soldier’s Square to Launch Today,” a front-page featured article in the Post Crescent Memorial Day edition on May 27, 2019 written by Hibah Ansari, details the Every Soldier’s Square Project by Hearthstone and Sculpture Valley.
MEDIA COVERAGE
May 27, 2019
WBAY reporter Tia Johnson interviews Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder and Sculpture Valley Executive Director Alex Schultz in a segment entitled, “Two non-profits kick off 'Every Soldier's Square' project in Appleton.”
Media coverage
May 24, 2019
The Every Soldier’s Square Project created by Hearthstone and Sculpture Valley is the subject of an article in the Post Crescent entitled “Fundraiser to revitalize Soldier's Square in Appleton launches Memorial Day” by Hibah Ansari.
Media coverage
May 23, 2019
FOX 11 News’ Monique Lopez files “Soldier's Square to get 'new life,' brick by brick” on Hearthstone’s Every Soldier’s Square Project designed to revitalize Appleton’s Soldier’s Square and to raise money for the John H. Bradley VA Clinic in Appleton and efforts to preserve Appleton’s history. Interviewed are Sculpture Valley’s Executive Director Alex Schultz and Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder.
Media coverage
May 15, 2019
Three sixth grade inventors from Kaleidoscope Academy in Appleton, winners of Edison-Rogers Prizes as the best inventions at the Invention Convention, join Kathy Keene on WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show" to talk about their innovative and fun inventions. Also interviewed are Kaleidoscope Academy Science and Math teacher Doug Sunke, who shares his experience with Hearthstone’s STEMIE curriculum and Invention Convention, and Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder.
Press release
May 15, 2019
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces its “Every Soldier’s Square Project” in conjunction with Sculpture Valley, Inc. and the John H. Bradley VA Clinic in Appleton. The project’s goal is to revitalize the Solider’s Square Civil War monument and raise money for its restoration, as well as for the three sponsoring organizations, through donations coupled to engraving of historic bricks with the names of veterans.
Media coverage
May 6, 2019
The May issue of Fox Cities Magazine features an article written by Hearthstone Historic House volunteer Christine Williams entitled VICTORIAN BATH SPLENDOR. The article chronicles the year long effort to restore the museum’s last interior space occupied by the Rogers family - a spectacular second floor bath.
Media coverage
April 22, 2019
Three sixth grade inventors from Kaleidoscope Academy in Appleton, as well as Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder, join FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin host Pete Petoniak to talk to about the student’s brilliant creations for their school’s “Invention Convention” that Hearthstone sponsors.
Media coverage
April 2, 2019
Hearthstone Historic House Museum is featured in Appleton Downtown Inc.’s weekly blog “Discover Downtown Like Never Before.” Written from the house’s point of view (as a somewhat cranky 136 year old!), the blog takes a fun look at what makes the museum so unique.
Media coverage
March 27, 2019
Hearthstone’s Executive Director George Schroeder spends an hour with Kathy Keene on WHBY’s "The Good Neighbor Show" to talk baseball, specifically Hearthstone’s upcoming exhibit on the early history of baseball in Wisconsin, and to take calls from listeners. George also covers other upcoming events including “Sunday is for Schubert,” a recital of Franz Schubert’s works set for May 19.
Press release
March 7, 2019
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces its “Shine Even Brighter” major restoration project with the goal of raising $500,000 for restoration of the exterior of its beautiful Queen Ann style Victorian residence. Key to the project is an anonymous donation of $100,000 that will be made once an additional $200,000 is raised.
Media coverage
March 1, 2019
Executive Director George Schroeder spends an hour on-air with Kathy Keene, host of "The Good Neighbor Show" on WHBY to talk about upcoming events at Hearthstone, including Mystery at the Mansion and Tráthnóna Érie, an afternoon of Irish music as well as the just completed restoration of the 1882 bathroom. George also takes calls from listeners and discusses topics such as Victorian butler’s pantries and how, surprisingly, electric toasters help lead to women’s suffrage.
Media coverage
January 29, 2019
Kathy Keene, host of "The Good Neighbor Show" on WHBY, interviews and chats with Hearthstone's Executive Director George Schroeder on new restoration work at the museum (1882 bathroom), new displays in the children’s hands-on area, and the opening of this year’s Summer Exhibit “The Beginnings of Baseball in Wisconsin: 1860-1930.” George also takes questions from callers.
Media coverage
December 19, 2018
Jordan Lamers from WFRV’s Local 5 Live morning show visits with Hearthstone’s volunteer Cheryl Theimer on Victorian traditions as part of the museum’s Victorian Christmas event. Heidi Scott, another museum volunteer, plays Christmas carols written during the Victorian era on the museum’s 1875 Kranich and Bach square grand piano. Also interviewed is George Schroeder, Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Executive Director.
Media coverage
December 4, 2018
Volunteer Emily Oehler and Executive Director George Schroeder are interviewed during two segments on FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin to talk about Victorian Christmas at Hearthstone Historic House Museum. They are joined by Heidi Scott playing Christmas carols written during the Victorian era on the museum’s 1875 Kranich and Bach square grand piano.
Media coverage
December, 2018
Appleton Monthly’s Rebecca Zornow interviews George Schroeder, Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Executive Director, for the December issue’s “Holiday Splendor” article. The brief review of Victorian Christmas summarizes, “Visiting the Hearthstone is an immersive event, filled with the smell of gingerbread, the sounds of live music, and the sight of extravagant Victorian decorations.”
Media coverage
November 28, 2018
George Schroeder, Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Executive Director, joins WHBY’s Joey D. and Volunteer Fox Cities’ Kristen Cates to talk about Volunteer Fest, Hearthstone’s STEMIE initiative, and Victorian Christmas at Hearthstone.
Press release
November 9, 2018
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces the musical line-up for its Friday night Victorian Christmas tours which have become a holiday tradition in Appleton.
Media coverage
November 8, 2018
WHBY News Director Mike Kemmeter interviews Executive Director George Schroeder on Hearthstone’s activities to mark Armistice Day and the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I on November 11.
Media coverage
November 8, 2018
Oshkosh Northwestern writes about Hearthstone’s participation in local commemorations of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day marking the end of World War I.
Press release
November 6, 2018
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I, Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces it has organized a twitter re-enactment of the events leading-up to Armistice Day featuring local university students playing the roles of historic Appleton figures. The re-enactment will culminate with the ringing of church bells across downtown Appleton at the time the Armistice took effect at 11 am on November, 11.
Media coverage
October 11, 2018
Oshkosh Northwestern covers volunteer Christine Williams and her passion for Hearthstone, history, and helping.
Media coverage
October 4, 2018
Hearthstone’s volunteers John Ciske and Emily Oehler and Executive Director George Schroeder are interviewed on WFRV’s Local 5 Live to share information on Haunted Hearthstone including a preview of the event.
Media coverage
October 4, 2018
Volunteers John Ciske and Emily Oehler and Executive Director George Schroeder are interviewed on FOX 11’s Good Day Wisconsin to talk about October’s Haunted Hearthstone event.
Press release
September 12, 2018
Hearthstone Historic House Museum announces the theme for its popular annual Halloween event. This year’s Haunted Hearthstone will be entitled “Sequential Killers: The Victorian Terror.” The theatrical production will take place each Friday night in October.
Hearthstone will host a second presentation by noted collector and author Frank Koffend on the History of Sport Fishing on September 13th. A presentation will also be made by special guest Arlan Carter, author of the book 19th Century Fishing Lures.
Press release
September 12, 2018
Media coverage
September 9, 2018
Kathy Keene interviews Hearthstone's Executive Director George Schroeder on "The Good Neighbor Show" on WHBY radio to talk about fishing presentation by Frank Koffend on the History of Sport Fishing, Friday night tours, Haunted Hearthstone, and Hearthstone’s STEMIE education initiative with the Appleton Area School District.
Friends of Hearthstone, Inc. announces that Hearthstone Historic House Museum is now the Wisconsin affiliate of the STEMIE Coalition. Through its affiliation with STEMIE, Hearthstone will foster use of the organization’s K-12 “Invention Convention Curriculum presented by Black & Decker” in area schools. The curricula layer upon basic STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education the ideas of Invention and Entrepreneurship (STEM + I + E) to develop problem-identification, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, creativity, and communication. Hearthstone's efforts are supported by the Bemis Company Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bemis Company.
Press release
August 21, 2018
Media coverage
July 5, 2018
Hearthstone volunteers Laura Kohlman and John Ciske appear in Victorian clothing with Lisa Malak on WFRV's Local 5 Live to talk about Hearthstone's Friday night tours. Also interviewed is Hearthstone's Executive Director George Schroeder.
Press release
June 14, 2018
KID’S DAY WITH FISHERMAN FRANK. Hearthstone Historic House Museum hosts a fun day of fishing activities, games, and stories for kids of all ages.
Media coverage
June 11, 2018
"He Has a Long List of Community Involvement," The Business News, Vol. 16, No. 3, June 11, 2018. Article covering the volunteer efforts of Hearthstone's Executive Director, George Schroeder.
Press release
June 14, 2018
Hearthstone Historic House Museum's Flag Day Parade float comprises a classic wooden boat, two figures from Hearthstone's history, and highlights Hearthstone's international significance as the world's first home to be electrified using a hydroelectric central power station employing the Edison system.
Media coverage
June 8, 2018
Kathy Keene interviews Hearthstone's Executive Director George Schroeder on "The Good Neighbor Show" on WHBY radio to talk about the Flag Day Parade, Hearthstone's new exhibition on antique fishing lures, Friday night tours, new projects on the museum's grounds, and to take calls from listeners.