The Hoard Historical Museum has announced that its 1841 Foster House and the Historical 1901 Water Tower will be open for public tours on Saturday, Oct. 2.
The free tours will take place from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Dwight and Almira Foster House, located at 414 Foster St., is believed to be one of the oldest frame homes in Fort Atkinson. It is located on the grounds of the Hoard Historical Museum, and museum volunteer docents will be available to help explain the importance of the Foster family to Fort Atkinson history.
The Historical 1901 Water Tower was the first municipal water source for the City of Fort Atkinson. Constructed in 1901, it was in use as a water tower until 1989 and was later opened to the public for tours.
It is located in the 300 block of South Fourth Street, East.
There are limitations to touring the water tower. It is not handicap-accessible, and individuals under 8 years old and 48 inches are not able to climb the tower. Also, tours might be cancelled due to inclement weather. Contact the museum at (920) 563-7769 for more information.
“Both the Foster House and the 1901 Water Tower are fascinating parts of Fort Atkinson history,” said Merrilee Lee, director of the Hoard Historical Museum.
“The Fosters helped found Fort Atkinson and their impact is still felt all over the community,” she continued. “The water tower is a tangible reminder of our town’s development. We at the Hoard Historical Museum are excited to share both sites with the community. Come visit them on Saturday and find out more about these unique Fort treasures!”
There will be social distancing guidelines in place to ensure the safety of visitors and volunteer docents. Visitors will be required to wear facemasks; disposable masks will be available for visitors to use.
Due to the age of the structures, neither the 1841 Foster House or 1901 Water Tower are accessible via wheelchair.
As always, there is no fee to tour the Foster House, 1901 Water Tower, or the Hoard Historical Museum. However, cash donations are gratefully appreciated.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Ave. in Fort Atkinson. The museums are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call the museums at (920) 563-7769 and visit their website at www.hoardmuseum.org.
For more information, email info@hoardmuseum.org and like the museum on Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
A spiral staircase beckons visitors to the top of the 1901 Water Tower where spectacular views of the city of Fort Atkinson can be seen in all directions. The tower will be open for tours Saturday, Oct. 2, from 10 a.m. until noon.
This room inside the 1841 Foster House offers a glimpse into the lives of Dwight and Almira Foster. The home is believed to be one of the oldest frame homes in Fort Atkinson. The building will be open for tours Saturday, Oct. 2, between 10 a.m. and noon.
Photos courtesy of the Hoard Historical Museum.
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