Octagon House Museum

10/27/2026

What's spookier than a cemetery at night? Thunderstorms, gusty winds, and potential hail!

Tragically, due to the scary weather forecast and potentially inclement weather, we need to reschedule tomorrow's Whispers from Willow River Cemetery Tour to next Weds., November 4th at 5:30pm.

Current ticket holders should check their email with next steps for a refund or to confirm their availability for Nov. 4th. Tickets are still on sale for the new date - so check the website.

Any questions or concerns can be sent to [email protected].

We apologize for any inconvenience but the safety and souls of all our living and departed guests and guides are our utmost priority.

10/26/2026

Monday at the Museum: We have a photo from the corner of the southwest corner Vine and 2nd in 1979. Today Buena Vista Apartments stands in place of where a filling station used to be. The filling station was torn down in April of 1979. You can also see the court reporter building to the left.

10/21/2026

One week left until our final cemetery tour of the year!

Join us next Wednesday October 28th from 5:30-7:30pm for the encore presentation of our Whispers from Willow River Cemetery candlelight tour. We will spend two hours exploring Old and New Willow River Cemetery and hear the strange, macabre, and spooky tales of Hudson’s past.

Tickets are $20/person and are limited - advanced registration is recommended.

Tour themes include distressing and mature content and is recommended for 12+. The tour consists of two hours of standing and walking in the dark on uneven surfaces and some rough terrain. Participants are welcome to bring their own lanterns or stools. Treats and c***r will be provided.

Tickets and more information available at our website: www.hudsonoctagonhouse.org/events-1

We hope to see you there!

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.