Octagon House Museum

09/03/2026

We heard you 🫡 enjoy some old-fashioned light switch ASMR

08/26/2026

Birkmose Park Archaeology Tour (Aug. 26, 6pm) - CANCELLED due to staff illness.

If you pre-purchased a ticket ahead of time, please check your email for refund details.

We apologize and appreciate your patience!

Thank you - Museum staff

08/24/2026

📚 Monday at the Museum!

Today, we’re highlighting our Little Free Museum, located at the corner of Myrtle and 3rd Streets, right in front of the museum!

We’ve added some new items to the Little Free Museum, so the next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and take a look. 👀

And don’t forget to check out the other sections of the Little Free Museum:
History for Reading and History for Sharing.

🏛️ Did you know? Hudson is the birthplace of the Little Free Library movement! The movement was started by Hudson resident Todd Bol, and it has since grown into a worldwide movement.

Want to learn more about Hudson’s connection to the Little Free Library? Visit us at the museum during our open hours, Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Come discover a little history—and maybe leave a little behind! 📚✨

08/23/2026

Thank you Black Rooster for an incredible evening! The custom cocktails stole the show—and nobody got hit with a croquet ball, so we’re calling that a magnificent success!

If you haven’t been down to Black Rooster’s speakeasy spot in downtown Hudson, there’s no better time than the present!

08/22/2026

It's time. 🍁🪦Get your tickets now--our fall lineup is LIVE 🎃 👻
We're so excited to partner with multiple local organizations to bring history to life all around the community!

08/20/2026

The countdown to our Garden Party has begun! If you were holding off on buying tickets, don't wait anymore! This event requires a ticket to be purchased ahead of time, and we WILL NOT be selling them at the event tomorrow. Tickets will be available on our website until tomorrow, Friday Aug. 21 at 3pm.

We have a few tickets left. Get them now before they run out and we close registration and we'll see you tomorrow and the social event of the summer!

08/17/2026

📸 Monday at the Museum: The Soo Line High Bridge

This week, we’re taking a look at the Soo Line High Bridge, also known as the Arcola High Bridge, through photographs from different eras.

The first two photos are undated, but we believe they were likely taken sometime in the 1960's or 70's. The third photo was taken in 2022, showing the bridge as it looks today.

The fourth photo, from the John Runk Collection, dates to 1914 and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s railroad history. In the photograph, you can see both the new High Bridge and the old Wisconsin Central Railroad Bridge, which was built in 1884.

The old Wisconsin Central bridge was dismantled in 1916, making this historic photograph a rare look at both bridges standing together.

08/16/2026

Don't forget to drop off any donations for the Vintage & Variety Sale!

From July 1 - August 31, we will be donation-raising for our annual Vintage & Variety Fundraiser Sale!

Make sure when you bring your items, you get a receipt from a museum representative for your taxes! Thank you for your support!

08/13/2026

Did you know that Hudson WI is the birthplace of the little free sharing movement? Check out this post and the page to share your OWN little library story!

📚 Welcome to the birthplace of the little free library movement! We want to hear from YOU!

In 2009, Hudson, Wisconsin resident Todd Bol built the first little book-sharing box in his front yard. That simple idea grew into a nonprofit organization and a worldwide movement connecting neighbors and communities through the sharing of books, ideas, and kindness.

This page celebrates Hudson’s Little Free Library story and the people who helped make it a global movement. What began with sharing books has grown into a front yard sharing movement that now includes food, dog treats, puzzles, art, seeds, trinkets, and all kinds of things that spark curiosity and stretch the imagination.

We want to hear from YOU!

🏡 What’s your Hudson little library story?
📸 What’s your favorite Hudson little library? Share a photo!
🌎 Where’s the farthest place from Hudson where you’ve seen a little sharing library?
🎁 Have you seen a library sharing something other than books?
👋 Did you ever meet the late Todd Bol? Tell us your story.
📖 When did you first notice a little front yard sharing library?
🤔 Were you surprised to learn the movement started in Hudson?
🏆 What should Hudson do to recognize its place as the birthplace of this grassroots worldwide movement?

Share your memories, photos, discoveries, and ideas. Thank you for contributing!

08/13/2026

Enjoy the glory of the late summer gardens at the Octagon House Museum with a custom created Black Rooster Bistro cocktail 🌻🥂

Tickets at www.hudsonoctagonhouse.org 🎟️