Palmyra’s historic Carlin House and Turner Museum showcases unique construction methods and authentic furnishings for a 19th century home. The Carlin House was built by laying courses of a kind of cement on top of one another, termed as a “grout house.”
The Fisk Carlin House is furnished with mostly 19th century antiques, some of which are original to the house and the historical integrity of the floors, wallpaper, lights, and furnishings have been well appointed. The house can be toured at your leisure, but it is best explored with the assistance of a docent, who is always available during museum hours and by appointment.
If you visit on your own, here are some of the items you might see while exploring the Fisk Carlin House:
First Floor:
ENTRANCE (from the Turner Museum), a wide variety of farm and household items, two men playing a friendly game of cards.
KITCHEN, complete with stove, pump, boiler, utensils, and homemade jam being conspicuously consumed by a young child.
DINING ROOM, fine china, cabinetry, articles from the Carlin and other Palmyra families.
MUSIC ROOM, not originally for music but containing an Edison cylinder phonograph, carved wooden organ, restored coal stove from a local barbershop, many other antiques.
PARLOR (living room), original or near-original furnishings, Carlin and Turner family photos, “paper punch” embroidery, tiny mittens knitted with toothpicks, “stereoscope” for viewing photographs in 3-D.
Second Floor:
BEDROOM, rope net bed supporting a “tic” mattress, many other antiques.
CHILDRENS’ ROOM, dolls, books, cradles, family bathtub.
SMALL ROOM, opening in inside wall shows grout construction of the house.
SEWING ROOM, early sewing machines, shoes, women’s clothing on mannequins and in closets, chests, cabinets, jewelry boxes, etc.
The adjacent Turner Museum offers a variety of local art and a permanent exhibit called “Palmyra: Then and Now.” Get the latest updates on the Turner Museum here.
The Carlin House & Turner Museum are open Saturdays 10am-2pm May into October and by appointment. You can call 262-495-2412 for details.
You’ll find the Carlin House & Turner Museum in downtown Palmyra, right along Highway 59 just past the eastern terminus of Highway 106. Palmyra is in far southeastern Jefferson County along the Scuppernong River nestled next to the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine.
Carlin House & Turner Museum Address:
112 N. 3rd Street (Highway 59)
Palmyra, WI 53156
(262) 495-2412
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