History on the move!
Join the History Museum for a season of walking tours focusing on local history. There is no better way to explore our region than learning about the past and present in this fun and interactive series.
All tours start in front of the museum (330 E College Ave) at 6:00 PM unless otherwise specified. Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours at a moderate pace.
2020 Walking Tours
July 1: In the Footsteps of T. P. Bingham
Take a trip with me to 1860. We will trace the route of stereograph photographer T. P. Bingham who walked Appleton's streets to document this frontier community. With over 30 known photographs, Bingham's images cover the city's pivotal development during the Civil War. We will visit the sites where he positioned the camera, compare the images to the present-day, and talk about the people and buildings he captured.
July 22: Houdini's Appleton
Celebrate the life of Harry Houdini. We will explore the myths and reality of of Houdini's brief life in Appleton by visiting where his childhood home once stood, sites of fictional magical feats, and his father's synagogue. Explore the city that Houdini called home.
August 12: Civil War Cemetery Tour
Take a walking tour through historic Riverside Cemetery to explore the lives and service of some of Appleton's most prominent and lesser-known soldiers.
Meet at main entrance of Riverside Cemetery, 714 N. Owaissa Street.
August 19: Appleton's Black History
Join the History Museum tour of historic sites associated with Black history in Appleton. For a comparison of past and present, the tour will include photographs of historic events and places discussed along the route.
September 2 & 16: Historic City Park Neighborhood Tour
Take a stroll through the neighborhood surrounding Appleton's oldest park as we discuss some of the city's early residents, the architectural styles of their homes, and the creation of City Park.
CANCELLED September 23: Prohibition Pub Crawl
It has been 100 years since Prohibition began. Put on your walking shoes for a pub crawl of downtown Appleton's historic taverns to learn how these businesses and Appleton residents responded to this new law.
Price does not include drinks.
Secrets in the Stones Cemetery Tour
Virtual Presentation, available the last week of October
Discover the story behind some of the stones in Riverside Cemetery. This tour will cover tales of the original pioneer cemetery, unique Riverside stories, and tombstone symbols and icons.
Spiritualists and Hauntings
Virtual Presentation, available the last week of October
Do you believe in ghosts? Take a journey of hauntings, seances, and downright creepy unexplained events. We will visit a spooky office tower, talk about a haunted building that is now a popular brewery, and possibly catch a glimpse of Charlie, Irving, or Madam Lottie. Not for the faint of heart.
Group Tours
Our walking tours are also available for private groups. Just gather 10 or more people and contact our Education and Collections manager to inquire about availability.
Questions or comments? Contact our Education and Collections Manager.
Get Up & Go History Tours
Museum Closed Due to Local Health Conditions