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Home of America's First Kindergarten
919 Charles St. ~ Watertown, WI ~ 920-261-2796
America's First Kindergarten
& First Kindergarten Interactive Classroom
The First Kindergarten in the United States was founded in Watertown, Wisconsin in 1856 by Margarethe Meyer Schurz, whose husband was the famous German-American statesman, Carl Schurz. The First Kindergarten building was originally located at the corner of N. 2nd and Jones streets. To preserve this important icon of United States history, the building was relocated to the grounds of the Octagon House Museum 1956. Its interior is furnished similar to how it would have appeared in 1856.
On Aug 2, 2025 a ribbon cutting was held to formally dedicate the new First Kindergarten Interactive Classroom given by the Bentzin Family Foundations. The Interactive Classroom tells the story of the founding of the First Kindergarten in a new, exiting, and modern way.
The First Kindergarten and Interactive Classroom may be viewed without first touring the Octagon House Museum. There is no set cost for admission, but a free-will donation is appreciated.
The First Kindergarten and Interactive Classroom are open daily (closed Tuesdays) from 12-3 p.m. through Labor Day. During the months of September and October, the museum complex is open Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment.
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