Discover the top local events and opportunities at the upcoming Local History & Historic Preservation Conference! This preview highlights must-see attractions, including exclusive history tours organized by Wisconsin Historical Society partners where you can explore Appleton's oldest house, the Vulcan Hydroelectric Central Station, and more. Dive into the cultural offerings of the Fox Valley with visits to the Trout Museum of Art, the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and Gibson Community Music Hall. Plus, don't miss the chance to explore Appleton's rich history at local museums, parks, and historical societies, all while enjoying the city's diverse culinary scene. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable experience!

1. History Tours Arranged by Local History Affiliates: The Wisconsin Historical Society is proud to partner with several organizations to arrange tours for attendees. Register in advance to secure a spot.

• L.B. Leach House Tour: Visit "Appleton's Oldest House," the L.B. Leach House, which was built in 1851—and sold for $50 in 1935—before being bought and restored by Tom and Laureen Miller nearly a century later for public tours.
• Vulcan Hydroelectric Central Station Tour: A replica of the plant that was built in 1932 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hydroelectric power in the Appleton valley, the Vulcan Hydroelectric Central Station features one of only three Edison K dynamo power generators in the world.
• Historic Architecture Walking Tour: Explore the history, stories, and unique architectural features of buildings that dot College Avenue in Appleton's city center.
• Hearthstone Historic House Museum Tour: A beautiful example of Queen Anne-style residential architecture, Hearthstone stands as the first house in the world to be incandescently illuminated by a water-powered Western Edison Electric Light Company dynamo power station and an Edison Electric System.
• Museum After Dark: Casual Killers Tour: Explore the oddities of the History Museum at the Castle's collections as you are guided by flashlight through the Museum after dark. Rated PG-13 (tour contains mention of sexual assault, violence, murder, suicide, and death).

2. Local Historical Society Open House Hours: Before and after the Conference, visit select local historical societies during featured open house hours to learn more about history in the Fox Valley. See featured local historical societies here or check your attendee packet for more information.

3. Appleton History Museum and Research Center: Visit Appleton's research and history hub and interact with an extensive map collection, a digital kiosk of photos, historic postcards, videos, books, and an Appleton manufacturing exhibit.

4. Bubolz Nature Preserve: This preserve offers over 8.5 miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, observation decks, log cabins, and more to explore.

5. Trout Museum of Art: Appleton's Trout Museum of Art proudly presents its latest upcoming exhibition, Looking, in which twelve artists showcase both abstract compositions and figurative works that allow us to "look" more deeply at ourselves, others, and our larger communities.

6. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center: Visit the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center and attend a variety of concerts and shows—from Michael Feinstein in Because of You: My Tribute to Tony Bennett featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble to magic shows and theatrical performances.

7. Appleton Memorial Park: A community park with naturalized areas, woods, planted gardens, fishing lakes, and several miles of trails to explore.

8. Appleton Cuisine: From German and Mediterranean to Indian and American cuisine, there's no shortage of great places to grab a bite to eat in Appleton's historic downtown city center. Top-rated restaurants include Rye Restaurant, Author's Kitchen and Bar, Ellinor, Mark's East Side, Sai Ram Cuisine, and Carmella's.

9. Gibson Community Music Hall: Located in the historic Gibson building in downtown Appleton, the building—which burnt down in 1929 and was rebuilt in 1931—now features drinks and music performed live by talented local and national original artists.

10. Appleton's Oldest Saloon: Whether you're looking for a seasonal New Glarus sour or a Belgian craft beer, the Fox River House offers a range of spirits in a small, cozy space that holds claim to the title "Appleton's Oldest Saloon."

Join us at the Local History & Historic Preservation Conference! Connect with fellow history enthusiasts, explore unique tours, and dive deep into our region's rich heritage. Don't miss this chance to be part of something truly special—reserve your spot today!

REGISTER

Any questions? Please contact lhhpconference@wisconsinhistory.org.