Downtown Madison is rich with history – roads walked by historical figures, halls filled with relics, and homes full of stories to tell.

One of these historic homes, the Richter Cottage (c. 1830), tells the story of middle, working class life in the mid 1800s. In 1852 silversmith and watchmaker Charles W. Richter purchased the building, which had originally been the office for a nearby tannery. He converted the one-room structure into a two-room home where he and his wife raised eight children.

By the 1970s the dwelling had been abandoned and was threatened with demolition. Thankfully, a middle school class in Madison recognized the value of the building being restored and furnished the house to portray the period when the Richter family lived there. Many Richter family pieces are on display.

Group Tours available by appointment with at least 3-days notice, $5 per person. For more information or to make a reservation, email Morgan County Landmarks Society.