APPLETON, Wis. — Victorians were fascinated it seems with murders, especially those that were called “sequential” in the 19th century. The term serial killer didn’t arrive until much later. Sequential Killers of the Victorian Age is the theme for Hearthstone Historic House Museum’s Haunted Hearthstone season. The facility will present a theatrical glimpse into the 19th century beginnings of serial murder investigation through the eyes of victims, detectives, and the perpetrators who stalked them. The presentations will feature a walk-through tour of Hearthstone, decorated for mourning in the Victorian era, with many of the rooms depicting a different scenes. Characters portrayed include H.H. Holmes, Sweeney Todd, The Bloody Benders, Mary Ann Cotton, and of course, Jack the Ripper. All but Sweeney Todd are actual criminals of the 19th century, with H.H. Holmes having business ties to Henry Rogers, the original owner of Hearthstone. The event is being held each Friday night in October. While mass murders and serial killers have been found throughout recorded history, they truly began to garner attention in the Victorian era. In the social upheaval of industrialization, exploration, urbanization, and the growing prevalence of poverty, the public imagination became rife with the dark tales of crime. Sequential murders, real or fictional, began to crop up frequently in newspapers and literature with an increasing fascination by readers. Law enforcement was forced to react as people panicked, and they struggled to adapt to a new type of accurate detective work that required finding the culprits before the murders continued. “Because we change the events every year, the same guests can return for something completely new, and this year’s theme could very well prove to be the best yet,” said George Schroeder, Hearthstone Executive Director. “By putting on a more elaborate staged production, we appeal to those who are looking for more than simply a good scare. We offer a real look into the past which is in some ways, because of its authenticity, much scarier. Add the decorations of a Victorian mourning to Hearthstone, and you have the perfect setting for a Halloween season event.” Because of the disturbing nature of this theatrical production, children under 12 years of age will not be admitted. The Hearthstone Historic House Museum is a large, beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1882 by Henry J. Rogers, Superintendent of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Mill. On Sept. 30, 1882, Hearthstone was the first house in the world to be lit by an Edison central hydroelectric power station. The house retains many unique, genuine features, including the original Thomas Edison electroliers and light switches. Appleton was one of the first three cities in the world to be lit by an Edison central power station, the other two being New York and London. This was all due to Rogers, who decided to invest in Edison’s power station in order to light two paper mills and his home. Since it became a museum in 1987, Hearthstone’s focus is to preserve the house and its artifacts to re-create a historical experience based on its Thomas A. Edison heritage for the cultural enjoyment and educational benefit of the public through its many exhibits and educational programs. For more information visit www.hearthstonemuseum.org or call (920) 730-8204 |