This was part of the tour package, small home of average southern person not like the grand southern home like Heritage Hall
We enjoyed this tour very much, and children can tour for free! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.
I would not recommend planning a visit to Madison solely for this attraction but neither would I recommend visiting Madison without seeing this gem.These two houses were relocated to a convenient spot just off of the main town square. These modest dwellings are a wonderful compliment to aristocratic Heritage Hall (open for tours daily). Filled with period furnishings, these two houses represent the lives of average southerners and industrious freed slaves. Rogers House is the oldest building in Madison, built in 1809, it is a classic "two over two" Piedmont Plain style house, adjacent Rose cottage, the home of a former slave, was built in 1891 and relocated a short distance to complete this two home attraction.A joy for history buffs and a shining piece of Black American heritage.Pros: centrally located, knowledgeable docents, authentic and insightful.Cons: None!Tip: Do this in conjunction with Heritage Hall, and the MMCC (Cultural Center), add a free self-guided walking tour from the Visitor Center (a block away) and enjoy your day!
We enjoyed touring both homes and the history of each was very interesting, but my husband and I both felt that the docent didn't like us for some reason. At the end of the tour, she abruptly said "goodbye" and went back inside Rogers House without any further conversation. We looked at each other and figured that meant our tour was over.
We had a student for a tour guide and her love of history shows. She was funny and knowledgeable of both homes, and it was a great way to spend part of our afternoon.
Very knowledgeable and interesting guide. My 5 year old granddaughter even enjoyed the tour. We enjoyed the town and tour.
Well-maintained and representative of the time these the house and cottage were built. Excellent history lesson for the area.
Rogers House represents "Middle Class" living, and Rose Cottage "Lower Class" living, to fully appreciate what's being presented I recommend you see these 2 homes as part of the package deal available when seeing Heritage Hall. Seen by themselves one might leave with unimpressed, but juxtapositioned against Heritage Hall you leave with a complete picture of life in Madison in the 19th Century. As I mentioned in my review of Heritage Hall, Madison's draw is its Historic Architecture, I can't imagine coming here without wanting to view these homes.
I recommend purchasing the combo ticket for $10 to tour the inside of three homes in Madison. These two homes represent the middle and lower class and the third home the Heritage house is a fine example of a wealthy family home. The tour guide was very informative & interesting in her knowledge of the homes. I particularly enjoyed the history of the Rose cottage and seeing many furnishings that were original and made by Miss Rose herself.
These tours are great to arouse or entertain your inner "history geekiness". The docents are very knowledgeable about the life and times in this era. Be inquisitive - they'll not only answer questions about architecture and furnishings, lifestyles and such, they can also tell you some very interesting stories passed down thru generations in local families. You can tour these homes on a ticket by themselves or in combination with Heritage Hall, which is what we did (also highly recommend). The Rogers House and Rose Cottage are side by side, Heritage Hall is several blocks away, but still very walkable. Also, don't limit yourself to the inside of these homes, walk around outside, outback. Very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.