The Hearthstone Historic House Museum in Appleton, August 9, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Steven Jahnke made his first court appearance Tuesday for allegedly stealing about $70,000 from the Hearthstone Historic House Museum.
Jahnke, 77, faces one count of theft in a business setting.
A signature bond was set Tuesday. Jahnke returns to court June 25 for the balance of his initial appearance.
Jahnke allegedly embezzled about $70,000 in museum funds for his personal use from 2019 to 2025, according to a criminal complaint. Jahnke admitted he “embezzled funds to pay for his own expenses,” the complaint states.
The incident prompted a group of museum supporters to call for the resignation of the museum’s board of directors, but they have rejected those requests.
The museum was built in 1882 and became a private nonprofit museum in 1986. The museum was originally a residence and was the first hydroelectric-powered home in the world.
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