The Hoard Historical Museum has announced the tour opening dates for two historical sites in Fort Atkinson.
The 1841 Foster House and the historical 1901 watertower will be open for public tours on Saturday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Dwight and Almira Foster House, located at 414 Foster St. on the museum grounds, is believed to be one of the oldest frame homes in Fort Atkinson. Museum volunteer docents will be available to help explain the historical importance of the Foster family to Fort Atkinson.
The historical 1901 watertower was the first municipal water source for the city of Fort Atkinson. Constructed in 1901, it was in use as a watertower until 1989 and later was opened to the public for tours.
The 1901 watertower is located in the 300 block of South Fourth Street East at its intersection with South High Street, and across the street from the Fort Atkinson Middle School.
There are limitations to touring the watertower. It is not handicap-accessible, individuals under 8 years old and 48 inches are not able to climb the tower, and tours might be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Contact the Hoard Historical Museum at (920) 563-7769 for more information.
“Both the Foster House and the 1901 Watertower are fascinating parts of Fort Atkinson history,” said Merrilee Lee, director of the Hoard Historical Museum in a recent press release. “The Fosters helped found Fort Atkinson and their impact is still felt all over the community. The watertower is a tangible reminder of our town’s development.
“We at the Hoard Historical Museum are excited to share both sites with the community,” she added.
For those who visit, there will be social distancing guidelines in place to ensure the safety of guests and volunteer docents. Visitors will be required to wear face masks; disposable masks will be available for visitors to use. Due to the age of the structures, similar to the 1901 watertower, the Foster House is not accessible via wheelchair.
There is no fee to tour the Foster House, the 1901 historical watertower or the Hoard Historical Museum however, cash donations are gratefully appreciated, museum administration noted in a release.
The Foster House is located to the rear of the Hoard Historical Museum. Parking is available on the 400 block of Foster Street.
The Hoard Historical Museum and National Dairy Shrine Museum are located at 401 Whitewater Ave. The museums are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
For more information, call (920) 563.7769, visit www.hoardmuseum.org, email info@hoardmuseum.org or like the museum on Facebook and Instagram.
Two photos above: The 1901 historical watertower as it appears both inside and out.
Two photos above: An early view of the Dwight and Almira Foster House, thought to be one of the oldest frame homes in Fort Atkinson, followed by a more recent view of the structure, which is open to the public for tours. Contributed photos.
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