Octagon House Museum

10/19/2026

Monday at the Museum: We came across this graduation announcement/program from John Moffat Hughes from 1895. We also have a photo to accompany the program of those in the class of 1895.

The names listed in the photo are: Standing, Harry Harding, Ada Greene, Daisie Campbell, Arthur Christofferson, Lucille King, Lyle Staples, Mame Whaley, Minnie Jensen, Seated: Emma Hellner, Alice Chubbach, Mamie Miller, Ruth Headback, Ino DeLong, Front: Sam Muncey, John Hughes, Louise Davies, Basyl Otis.

10/12/2026

Monday at the Museum: This week, we’re sharing a few historic photos showing the aftermath of a storm in Hudson.

The first photo shows 701 Vine Street. You can also see the same house in the background of the third photo. Notice the ladder leaning against the house and how much of the debris appears to have already been cleared away.
The second photo shows Vine Street, where downed trees make it difficult to see many of the homes along the street.
We’re not sure who the family is in the third photo, and we’d love your help identifying them! The large tree they’re standing in front of was near 626 Vine Street. At the time, the home at that address was occupied by the family of August and Hedda Noreen. They had two children, Bonita (who would have been around 9) and Clifford (around age 6).

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Tonight's Willow River Cemetery tour is SOLD OUT! We are so grateful and blown away by all the interest in this tour and can't wait to share all of the stories of our cemetery with you tonight.

If you missed the chance to get your hands on tickets for this tour, we miiiiight be able to schedule a second tour later in the month if there's enough interest. So, if you want another one, let us know in the comments or send us an email!

Stay tuned to our page and webpage for updates - and we can't wait to spook you later!

10/05/2026

Only a few tickets left for this Wednesday evening's walking tour at Willow River Cemetery!

Whispers from Willow River is a candelit tour that explores both old and new Willow River Cemetery to discover the spooky, tragic, and forgotten stories of the folks and families that call it home. Together, we'll remember and pay homage to those buried here as we tell stories about their lives and deaths. Additionally, we'll share stories of ghosts, spirits, superstitions, and historical beliefs about cemeteries, death, and the afterlife AND there'll be a stop for light bites and cocoa.

You literally don't want to *pass on* this opportunity.

Tickets are limited, are $20/person and can be purchased at our website.

Please be aware that this tour will include 2 hours of walking on uneven terrain with few opportunities to sit.

Content warning: Tour will include subjects of death (including child death), su***de, murder, funeral and death customs, and discussions of the afterlife. Recommended for 12+.

10/05/2026

Monday at the Museum 📚

Today’s glimpse into Hudson’s past comes from an 1887 report card from the Hudson Public Schools. And this one has a special connection to our collection—it belonged to John Moffat Hughes, son of Thomas and Mary Moffat Hughes.

John was born in 1878, which means this report card would have been from his later elementary-school years. Even more special, his mother Mary’s signature appears on the back of the card.

It’s fascinating to see how much school—and especially report cards—have changed over the past 140 years! Documents like this give us a little window into the everyday lives of Hudson’s children and families.

10/02/2026

Last night was the Hudson Area History Connection - Octagon House Museum Annual Member Dinner. Members were invited to the Phipps Center, served a meal by our gracious Board of Directors, where annual reports and Board business was conducted and voted upon. Reports and presentations from the Board and staff, as well as community partners, Willow River Cemetery, were given as highlights of what was accomplished in 2026 and planned for 2027 and beyond.

Amongst the more prescient pieces of business was the announcement that our amazing Executive Director, Katie, is moving on to pursue other opportunities. BUT, our Assistant Director Kylie, and our dedicated volunteer and intern, Brooke, are stepping into roles as Co-Associate Directors to continue leading the organization into 2027 and beyond.

We are so grateful for our community partners, members, staff, and Board of Directors for their time, support, and dedication to our organization and for being an integral part of the work we’re doing and hope to continue to do long into the future.

09/28/2026

🕯️ Monday at the Museum 🕯️

October is just around the corner, and we have several spooky and fascinating events coming up over the next few weeks to lead us into Halloween!

Join us as we explore the darker side of history:

🖤 This Wednesday — Victorian Death & Mourning Customs
Learn about the fascinating—and sometimes surprising—ways Victorians dealt with death, grief, and remembrance.

🕯️ October 7 — Whispers from Willow River Cemetery
Join us for a candlelight cemetery tour and discover some of the stories and history resting beneath the headstones.

👻 October 10 — Mortal Myths: Victorian Ghost Stories
Step into the world of Victorian ghost stories and the eerie tales that captivated audiences in the 19th century.

We hope you'll join us for one—or all—of these special events as we get into the Halloween spirit! 🎃

Tickets and event details can be found under Upcoming Events on our website:https://www.hudsonoctagonhouse.org/events-1

09/22/2026

HAPPENING THIS FRIDAY! When you see an old house, what's the first thing you wonder about it? Why are we so drawn to hauntings and the paranormal at old Victorian houses? Explore the lure of ghost stories and hauntings at historic sites with museum staff in the candlelit ambience of the historic Octagon House Museum.

When you see an old house, what's the first thing you wonder about it? Explore the lure of ghost stories and hauntings at historic sites with the Octagon House Museum staff.

09/21/2026

Monday at the Museum: 🐄📜

We have a letter from 1885 written by John Moffat Hughes to his father, Thomas Hughes, who was away from home. In the letter, John mentions that his grandmother, Nancy Moffat, had given their Daisy calf to the Ice Man.

He even names the ice man — Mr. Mule!

A little digging turned up a Mules family living on 6th Street around that time. If this is the same Mr. Mule, then Daisy the calf may have gone to a new home over near 6th Street. 🐄 I also found the name John Mules in the History of Washington County and the St. Croix Valley, 1881. He is listed as an Ice Dealer.

And apparently Daisy was doing just fine! John wrote that, according to Mr. Mule, she had “grown very well.”